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Mapping the Landscape of Over-Scanning in CT Imaging: A Scoping Review
Mo'men Bani-Ahmad1,2, Aoife O Sullivan1, Yasser H Hadi1,3
1Discipline of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences
|June 30, 2026
Summary
Over-scanning in computed tomography (CT) is common, exposing patients to unnecessary radiation. Strategies like standardized protocols and AI tools are needed to reduce this practice and improve patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Radiology and Medical Imaging
- Radiation Oncology
- Health Informatics
Background:
- Over-scanning in CT, defined as extending scans beyond anatomical limits, leads to unnecessary radiation exposure.
- This practice is poorly defined and inadequately addressed, despite its frequent occurrence in clinical settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a scoping review on over-scanning in CT imaging.
- To examine its definitions, assessment methods, prevalence, dose implications, contributing factors, and mitigation strategies.
Main Methods:
- A scoping review adhering to PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
- Searched PubMed, Embase, Ovid, and Scopus databases for studies from January 2010 to December 2025.
- Extracted data on definitions, assessment, prevalence, dose, causes, and solutions for over-scanning.
Main Results:
- Thirty-eight studies revealed prevalent over-scanning (average 75%), with excess coverage up to 90mm.
- Effective dose increases ranged from 0.03 to 3.4 mSv, with higher risks in pediatric and radiosensitive organs.
- Factors included anatomical complexity, scout image limitations, and radiographer caution.
Conclusions:
- Over-scanning in CT is multifactorial, influenced by technical, operator, patient, and system factors.
- Mitigation requires standardized protocols, radiographer training, and optimized scout image use.
- AI-based planning tools show promise for automating scan range optimization and reducing over-scanning.
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