Richard Lewis Morin PhD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Laura P Coombs PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

James M. Kofler PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Frederick Joseph Larke MS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Michael F. McNitt-Gray PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Consultant, OSI Systems, Inc Institutional research agreement, Siemens AG

Alec Jeffrey Megibow MD, MPH, Abstract Co-Author: Consultant, Bracco Group Medical Advisory Board, Siemens AG, Malvern, PA

Lu Meyer MS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Edvin Vanbeek, Abstract Co-Author: Medical Advisory Board, Vital Images, Inc Medical Advisory Board, EDDA Technology, Inc Consultant, Schering-Plough Corporation Consultant, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH Research support, Siemens AG Research support, Bracco Group Research support, General Electric Company Founder and owner, QI2inc

00030490-DMT et al, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

A national database using standard methods of data collection to demonstrate changes in dose indices due to technological advances and practice modifications is urgently needed. The ability to track trends in dose indices would be useful to advisory radiation safety bodies as well as to individual practices wishing to compare their own dose indices against established benchmarks or national practice patterns.

 Over the last two decades the number of diagnostic CT imaging examinations has rapidly increased. There have also been significant improvements in CT acquisition and dose reduction technologies. However, the ability to practically assess doses delivered from CT scans across facilities remains encumbered by the need for assumptions of patient characteristics, exam types, and scanner performance.

The dose index registry pilot project collected and compared dose indices across six facilities nationwide, each using a Sensation 64 or Definition CT scanner. Custom software was used to create a single image for each exam with the exam dose information embedded in the DICOM header. The “dose” image from every CT exam acquired on a selected scanner at each facility was networked to a dedicated PC. Dose index information was extracted and sent to the American College of Radiology database. Over a one month period, 3012 exams were collected. Study descriptions of exam type varied across all 6 facilities, therefore comparisons could only be made by body part. Significant differences (p<.05) in CTDIvol for Abdomen and Head CT by facility and age were noted. For CT of the Thorax there was a significant difference in CTDIvol by facility, age, and gender.

Collecting and comparing dose information across facilities faced significant challenges, including addressing IRB and institution-specific approvals as well as technical issues. In spite of these challenges, an automated data gathering and storage process was successfully employed and will provide unmatched data regarding clinical CT usage and radiation dose. To fully utilize the data, a means of comparing doses by study type is essential.

Morin, R, Coombs, L, Kofler, J, Larke, F, McNitt-Gray, M, Megibow, A, Meyer, L, Vanbeek, E, et al, 0, ACR Dose Index Registry Pilot Project for Comparing CT Dose Indices across Facilities.  Radiological Society of North America 2009 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 29 - December 4, 2009 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2009/8003791.html