Kevin Murphy MBBCh, MRCS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Maria Twomey MBChB, FFR(RCSI), Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

James Ryan, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Kate Carey, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Patrick Nicholson MBBCh, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Niamh Moore, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Mary-Jane Murphy, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Michael Sheehy, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Owen J. O'Connor MBBCh, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Michael M. Maher MD, FRCR, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Radiation dose tracking software results in excellent streamlining of information collection and manipulation. In our study it quickly identified our mean doses for common examinations and pinpointed outliers and helped identify reasons for high radiation doses.

Dose monitoring, audit and CT optimization are key factors in achieving widespread CT dose reduction. We assess the ease and feasibility of using web based radiation dose tracking software (DoseWatch, GEHC) in assessing radiation dose (dose length product, DLP and size-specific dose estimate) at adult CT and comparing these values to published diagnostic reference levels (DRLs)

Following IRB approval, 576 consecutive CT studies were retrospectively assessed (223 thorax, 353 abdomen-pelvis). Information regarding DLP, SSDE, demographics, effective diameter and time of acquisition were automatically obtained from the analysis software. In addition, information on the radiographer experience and inpatient status was also obtained from the radiology information system analysed. Results showed a mean thoracic CT DLP of 282±151 mGycm (range 5-1753) and SSDE of 9.22±1.82 (range 5-16 mGy). Mean radiation dose from CT abdomen-pelvis was 621±231 mGycm (range 244-1582); SSDE 13.7 mGy (range 3-21 mGy). Both studies had mean levels below the published DRLs [thorax: 460 mGycm; abdomen-pelvis 640 mGycm]. 12% had anomalously high doses. These higher doses were significantly associated with inexperienced technologists (p=0.009), out of hours scanning (p=0.04) and multiphase studies (p<0.001). There was a moderate correlation between radiation dose and effective diameter as expected (Thorax: Pearson r=0.566, p<0.001; Abdomen-pelvis: Pearson r=0.466, p<0.001). There was no significant difference between inpatients and outpatients for either body part

Our mean thoracic CT dose levels are significantly superior to published DRLs abdominopelvic dose levels are satisfactory when compared with diagnostic reference level. We have identified reasons for aberrantly high doses for certain patients with the use of radiation dose tracking software. This information will be of vital importance in future planning

Murphy, K, Twomey, M, Ryan, J, Carey, K, Nicholson, P, Moore, N, Murphy, M, Sheehy, M, O'Connor, O, Maher, M, Adult CT Dose Monitoring Using Web Based Radiation Dose Tracking Software.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14019749.html