Lars Weber, Presenter: Travel support, Capio AB

Sonny La MS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Inga Göransson, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

A system for dose data collection has been implemented throughout the county of Skåne in Sweden. Dose data from x-ray generating equipment are automatically transfered to a central database were the results mey be viewed using a web-based viewer. The data may be used as an image optimization tool as well as for follow up on individual patient exposures.

The implementation of the DICOM MPPS functionality has allowed us to implement automatic dose data collection throughout a large number of hospitals in our county. The data generated in the database is used for image optimization purposes as well as individual patient exposure follow up. The current work describes the implementation and use of the system for automated dose data collection at our hospital.  

The county of Skåne has 10 main hospitals having radiology departments. These hospitals have the capability to securely send dose information using the MPPS modality to a central server. The data stored centrally can be viewed on the intranet using any web browser. Accesible data include items pertinent to the patient, e.g. name, identity, age, sex as well as items relevant to the examination, e.g. modality, location, sending AET, examination code, number of exposures as well as items relevant to image quality and dose, e.g. entrance dose, DAP, DLP kV, mAs, fluoroscopy time etc.

Our framework of automated dose data collecting is extremely valuable and can be implemented for a variety of tasks. We are currently using it for image optimization, dose data reporting towards authorities, follow up of individual patient exposure levels and dose evaluation of different imaging techniques. Among other things, we have found it a very helpful tool in assessing were measures could be taken to reduce patient dose. A number of parameters have turned up that can be improved, e.g. unexpectedly high numbers of exposures caused by poor image quality, high dose levels due to equipment status. A very helpful aspect of storing dose data centrally is that it permits follow up of individual patient dose levels. IAEA has suggested a “Smart Card” system to follow up individual life time patient doses with the same goal as ours.

Weber, L, La, S, Göransson, I, Large Scale Dose Data Collecting for Radiation Protection and Image Optimization Purposes.  Radiological Society of North America 2010 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2010 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2010/9001479.html