What do they represent? CTDIvol is based on measurements obtained when scanning either a 16cm or 32 cm phantom. Essentially, it represents scanner output. DLP is derived from CTDIvol, but incorporates a scan length component. Both function as reasonable proxies for absorbed dose but do not represent the actual patient dose. In other words, if… Read More
As I wrote previously, access to Corporate level Aggregate DIR reports were several restricted after the NRDR changed the organizational structure for facilities submitting data. One of the biggest changes was the establishment of the “Corporate” account under, and to, which all child sites would be assigned. Initially, the Corporate level Aggregate reports were not… Read More
At my direction, our facility began submitting CT dose data to the ACR’s Dose Index Registry® (DIR) in early 2013. During the following months I learned to use the DIR to identify dose reduction opportunities, and lower our CT doses. In August 2105 The Joint Commission (TJC) updated its diagnostic imaging Elements of Performance requiring… Read More
The Dose Index Registry (DIR) is a powerful, flexible tool from which facilities can learn a great deal. The most common use is to use the DIR’s dose comparison reports identify dose reduction opportunities: Never before have facilities been able to identify dose reduction opportunities so easily. But, there is so much more to glean… Read More
The Dose Index Registry (DIR) is a powerful, flexible tool from which facilities can learn a great deal. The most common use is to use the DIR’s dose comparison reports identify dose reduction opportunities: Never before have facilities been able to identify dose reduction opportunities so easily. But, there is so much more to glean… Read More
Here are recent examples of the successes two of our sites reported to their radiation safety committees. This first example is a chart showing one facility’s average monthly Total DLP for its Chest Angio studies from early 2016 through Q1 2018. Overall, this site reduced its average Total DLP for its Chest Angio studies by… Read More
I just returned from having presented at the Health Connect Partners 2017 Radiology & Imaging Conference. My topic: Using the DIR to Meet TJC’s Dose Incident Identification & Review Requirements. During the presentation I gave an overview of the DIR and shared what we’ve learned from having participated in it for four years, including specific… Read More
During the 2017 Landauer Clinical Dose Optimization Symposium one of the session speakers, Douglas Pfeiffer, a medical physicist with Blackthorn Medical Physics, reported he had found the table-head rest extension connection mechanism increased CTDIvol and DLP when the body part being imaged was positioned over the connection mechanism. Following the symposium, we worked with a… Read More
One of the more interesting and unique benefits Dose Registry Support Services’ DoseID Program has for facilities is its ability to shed light on duplicate and superfluous protocols in use at their facilities. The table to the right shows how one facility had 7 different protocols being used on a single scanner during a recent 3 month… Read More
DRSS is now providing clients with the following 8 draft policies it may adapt for use at their facilities: [Facility Name] CT Dose Optimization Policy [Facility Name] Quality Control and Maintenance Activities Policy [Facility Name] Physicist Evaluation Policy [Facility Name] Verification and Documentation of Medical Physicist Qualifications Policy [Facility Name] Verification and Documentation of CT… Read More
Dose Registry Support Services