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01-10-2011 | Computed Tomography

An education and training programme for radiological institutes: impact on the reduction of the CT radiation dose

Authors: Sebastian T. Schindera, Reto Treier, Gabriel von Allmen, Claude Nauer, Philipp R. Trueb, Peter Vock, Zsolt Szucs-Farkas

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 10/2011

Abstract

Objectives

To establish an education and training programme for the reduction of CT radiation doses and to assess this programme’s efficacy.

Methods

Ten radiological institutes were counselled. The optimisation programme included a small group workshop and a lecture on radiation dose reduction strategies. The radiation dose used for five CT protocols (paranasal sinuses, brain, chest, pulmonary angiography and abdomen) was assessed using the dose-length product (DLP) before and after the optimisation programme. The mean DLP values were compared with national diagnostic reference levels (DRLs).

Results

The average reduction of the DLP after optimisation was 37% for the sinuses (180 vs. 113 mGycm, P < 0.001), 9% for the brain (982 vs. 896 mGycm, P < 0.05), 24% for the chest (425 vs. 322 mGycm, P < 0.05) and 42% for the pulmonary arteries (352 vs. 203 mGycm, P < 0.001). No significant change in DLP was found for abdominal CT. The post-optimisation DLP values of the sinuses, brain, chest, pulmonary arteries and abdomen were 68%, 10%, 20%, 55% and 15% below the DRL, respectively.

Conclusions

The education and training programme for radiological institutes is effective in achieving a substantial reduction in CT radiation dose.

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Title: An education and training programme for radiological institutes: impact on the reduction of the CT radiation dose
Authors: Sebastian T. Schindera
Reto Treier
Gabriel von Allmen
Claude Nauer
Philipp R. Trueb
Peter Vock
Zsolt Szucs-Farkas
Publication date: 01-10-2011
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 10/2011
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-011-2168-5

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

An education and training programme for radiological institutes: impact on the reduction of the CT radiation dose

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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