Radiation Dose Associated With Over Scanning in Neck CT
Mohamed Khaldoun Badawy1, Hannah Lane2, Michael Galea2
1Monash Imaging, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology
|May 28, 2019
Summary
Radiation dose from computed tomography (CT) scans can be reduced by adhering to scan ranges. Targeted education for CT Neck protocols decreased overscan frequency by 15% and radiation dose by 20%.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Radiology
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Computed tomography (CT) utilization is increasing, leading to significant patient radiation exposure.
- Unnecessary radiation dose can result from scanning beyond the clinically indicated anatomical region, a common issue in CT protocols.
- Optimizing scan range is crucial for minimizing radiation dose in diagnostic imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the optimization of overscan frequency, scan length, and radiation dose for CT Neck protocols.
- To evaluate the impact of targeted educational interventions on radiation dose reduction in medical imaging technologists.
- To determine the effectiveness of adherence to scan range in minimizing patient radiation exposure.
Main Methods:
- A targeted radiation awareness talk on scan adherence was delivered to medical imaging technologists at a large teaching hospital.
- An audit of radiation dose for CT Neck protocols was conducted pre-intervention, one month post-intervention, and one year post-intervention.
- Data on overscan frequency, scan length, and overall radiation dose were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Following the awareness talks, overscan frequency decreased by 15%.
- The average overscan length was reduced by 33%.
- Overall radiation dose for CT Neck protocols decreased by 20%.
Conclusions:
- Targeted educational interventions focusing on scan range adherence can significantly optimize CT protocols.
- Strict adherence to scan range in the neck region effectively reduces patient radiation dose.
- This study demonstrates the potential for substantial clinical radiation dose savings through protocol optimization.
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