A Comprehensive Approach to CT Radiation Dose Reduction: One Institution's Experience

AJR:197, October 2011

Elias J. Antypas Farnoosh Sokhandon Michael Farah Scott Emerson Kostaki G. Bis Hai Tien Duane Mezwa

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to review the process of creating and imple­menting a comprehensive plan to reduce diagnostic radiation exposure at our institution.

CONCLUSION. This process, which was initiated by forming a radiation dose reduc­tion committee, addressed several different issues to improve patient safety. These include avoidance of unnecessary CT examinations, adjusting individual scanning parameters, revis­ing protocols, use of shielding and dose monitoring, and implementing computer-based dose modulation software as well as educating referring physicians and radiologic technologists.