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Rationalising abdominal radiography in the accident and emergency department
Clinical Radiology
|July 1, 1980
Summary
Routine abdominal radiography referrals can be optimized. Limiting erect films to suspected intestinal obstruction and excluding hematemesis referrals would reduce unnecessary imaging by nearly half, saving resources and minimizing patient radiation exposure.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Diagnostic Procedures
Background:
- Abdominal radiography is frequently requested in accident departments.
- Current referral practices may lead to unnecessary imaging and radiation exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the appropriateness of abdominal radiography referrals in an accident department.
- To identify potential areas for optimizing imaging protocols and reducing unnecessary radiation exposure.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 100 consecutive patients referred for abdominal radiography.
- Review of referral reasons, including supine and erect abdominal films.
- Assessment of the validity of indications for plain abdominal radiography.
Main Results:
- Most supine film referrals were deemed appropriate.
- Hematemesis accounted for 5% of referrals, an invalid indication for plain radiography.
- Erect abdominal films were requested for 83% of patients, often without suspected intestinal obstruction.
- Excluding hematemesis referrals and limiting erect films to obstruction indications would reduce required abdominal films by almost 50%.
Conclusions:
- Referral criteria for abdominal radiography, particularly erect films, require refinement.
- Optimizing referral practices can significantly decrease unnecessary imaging, reduce workload, and minimize gonadal irradiation.
- Implementing stricter guidelines for abdominal radiography can improve resource utilization and patient safety.