The establishment of a dedicated pediatric imaging department with dedicated pediatric computed tomography technologists for pediatric CT scans may lead to significant radiation dose reduction to the patient, according to a study in the May issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology.
Researcher conducted a retrospective review of abdominal and pelvic CT console dose and exposure parameter data on 495 patients from a combined pediatric and adult radiology department. Another review of 244 patients from a dedicated pediatric radiology department was also performed. Patients were divided into one of eight weight categories for analysis.
The researchers found a statistically significant decrease in the estimated effective dose for abdominal and pelvic CT studies was observed in all but one of the weight categories at the pediatric radiology department compared with the pediatric and adult radiology department. The study authors concluded a dedicated pediatric imaging department with dedicated pediatric CT technologists may result in greater compliance with pediatric protocols and significantly reduced patient dose.
Researcher conducted a retrospective review of abdominal and pelvic CT console dose and exposure parameter data on 495 patients from a combined pediatric and adult radiology department. Another review of 244 patients from a dedicated pediatric radiology department was also performed. Patients were divided into one of eight weight categories for analysis.
The researchers found a statistically significant decrease in the estimated effective dose for abdominal and pelvic CT studies was observed in all but one of the weight categories at the pediatric radiology department compared with the pediatric and adult radiology department. The study authors concluded a dedicated pediatric imaging department with dedicated pediatric CT technologists may result in greater compliance with pediatric protocols and significantly reduced patient dose.
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