Achieving CT Regulatory Compliance: A Comprehensive and Continuous Quality Improvement Approach

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Physics
• Public Health

Background:

• Computed tomography (CT) is a significant source of public radiation exposure in the U.S.
• Regulatory mandates require tracking CT radiation doses and investigating high-dose events.
• Radiology practices must balance dose optimization with diagnostic image quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a template for developing an accreditation-compliant quality control program for CT.
• To outline an approach for optimizing patient CT radiation doses.
• To share experiences from a large health system's implementation of a CT quality program.

Main Methods:

• Review of regulatory requirements for CT dose tracking.
• Development of a quality control program framework for CT.
• Implementation and assessment of the program within a large health system.

Main Results:

• A structured approach for CT quality control and dose optimization was established.
• The program facilitated compliance with regulatory dose tracking mandates.
• Key successes, challenges, and future directions for CT quality programs were identified.

Conclusions:

• An effective quality program is essential for meeting regulatory CT dose requirements.
• Implementing a systematic approach to CT quality control aids dose optimization and accreditation.
• Continuous evaluation and adaptation are crucial for ongoing CT dose management.