Diagnostic Reference Levels and Monitoring Practice Can Help Reduce Patient Dose From CT Examinations

Abstract

Establishing provincial DRLs allows an effective reduction in patient dose without resulting in degradation of image quality.

Patient-specific organ and effective dose estimates in pediatric oncology computed tomography

“…In our study, the CTDIvol and DLP were no greater than the DRLs from all literature surveys [15–17] except for head scans of 16–20 y-olds, and the SSDE was lower than the DRL from the U.S. survey [17] except for AP scans with contrast. The calculation and analysis of the 75 th percentiles of CTDIvol and DLP could be used to establish institutional DRLs to compare with reference levels and guide protocol optimization efforts that seek to reduce dose without compromising image quality [35]. The head scan dose percentiles suggest the opportunity for further optimization of protocols, and the AP scan dose 75 th percentiles were affected by protocol adjustment for large patient size (up to 149 kg for 16–20 y-olds).…”

An Environmental Scan of the National and Provincial Diagnostic Reference Levels in Canada for Common Adult Computed Tomography Scans

“…DRLs were obtained for British Columbia [16], Quebec [17,18], Saskatchewan [19,20], Nova Scotia [21], Manitoba [22], and Ontario [23]. HC13 includes data from all provinces, Yukon Territory, and Northwest Territories.…”

Management of screen-detected lung nodules: A Canadian partnership against cancer guidance document

“…The study is performed without contrast at full inspiration to minimize potential effects of lung volume on nodule measures. 21 An organized screening program should outline standards for the facility and equipment, such as personnel training and qualification, CT scanner, scanning and image acquisition protocols, dose monitoring, quality control testing to ensure a low dose CT, 22,23 specifications for volume measurement and image storage parameters. A high standard of image quality is important as precise quantitative measurements are often needed for lung nodule follow-up.…”