A Sweeter Solution to CT Skin Marking

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate individually wrapped candy as an alternative to traditional metallic skin markers for computed tomography (CT) examinations. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 30 CT examinations where metallic ball bearings (BBs), vitamin capsules, and various candy types were used for skin marking. Hounsfield unit (HU) values and qualitative analysis including assessing for beam hardening artifact and determining the ease of visualizing and recognizing the marker type used was recorded. ResultsMetallic skin markers were easily visualized, but resulted in beam hardening artifact and were potentially confused for foreign bodies or surgical material. Vitamin capsules were easily visualized and did not result in beam hardening artifact, but were potentially confused for exophytic skin lesions. All candy types tested were easily visualized and recognized, did not result in beam hardening artifact, and allowed for an air gap due to individual packaging. ConclusionsWe propose individually wrapped candy as an effective alternative to metallic skin markers for CT examinations.