A Comprehensive CT Radiation Dose Reduction and Protocol Standardization Program in a Complex, Tertiary Hospital System.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To present our experience in reducing CT radiation doses in a complex tertiary health system through CT protocol standardization and optimization. METHODS: A CT radiation task force was created to reduce CT protocol heterogeneity and radiation doses. Redundant protocols were eliminated. By an iterative process, protocols with least radiation dose were identified. Radiation dose tracking software was used to store and analyze radiation doses. CT protocols were published in an intranet site after training of technologists. SOPs were established for maintaining and changing protocols. The radiation doses for each CT protocol before and after optimization were compared using geometric means. RESULTS: A total of 222 CT protocols were reviewed, with elimination of 86 protocols. One-year follow-up showed homogeneous protocols with lower radiation doses. The improvement in radiation doses ranged from 23% to 58% (P< 0.001). CONCLUSION: CT radiation dose reduction of up to 58% can be achieved by homogenizing and optimizing CT protocols through a comprehensive CT operations program.