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Dose management and optimization in computerized tomography in Croatia - First results of the IAEA project

Introduction The number of CT (computerized tomography) scans performed is increasing rapidly throughout the past ten years and at this time CT contributes the majority of collective dose from diagnostic X-ray examinations in the world. Patient doses are usually higher than needed for setting up a diagnosis. Therefore, the optimization of CT procedures is neccessary. For this purpose, an IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) project was initiated in Croatia in four major university hospitals. Materials and methods Four CT scanners were under the scope of the first data collection, three 16-slice and one 64- slice machines. After the validation of technical parameters of CT scanner used, an initial data collection was conducted prior to any optimization process. Local DRL (diagnostic reference level) values were obtained for five different clinical indications. Results Quality control measurement results were within the acceptability criteria. Local DRL values were mostly below the European DRL values with very few exceptions. Image quality scores showed mostly higher quality than needed for the indication. Discussion78 Results show that the optimization of the existing CT protocols is necessary in order to achive acceptable image quality with least possible exposure. Furthermore, a team work of radiologist, radiation technologist and medical physicist is required to obtain better quality while reducing radiation risk. References 1. EUROPEAN COMMISSION - RADIATION PROTECTION N°180. Medical Radiation Exposure of the European Population. Part 1&2. Directorate-General for Energy Directorate D — Nuclear Safety & Fuel Cycle Unit D3 — Radiation Protection 2014 2. Rehani MM. Limitations of diagnostic reference level (DRL) and introduction of acceptable quality dose (AQD). Br J Radiol 2015 ; 88:20140344

computed tomography, optimization

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