Clinical Implementation of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association CT Dose Check Standard at ACR Dose Index Registry Sites

Abstract

The goal of the study was to determine if and how the National Electrical Manufacturers Association CT Dose Check standard has been implemented in clinical practice. A survey was conducted of all sites participating in the ACR Dose Index Registry, using a web-based survey instrument, to determine whether respondents were aware of the CT Dose Check standard and the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) recommendations for Dose Alert values, and if clinical sites had implemented it. A total of 170 responses were received, representing 37% (170/460) of surveys sent and 23% (170/734) of facilities participating in the ACR Dose Index Registry. Of responding facilities, 57.1% (96/168) were aware of the CT Dose Check standard, and 51.2% (86/168) were aware of the AAPM recommendations. At 44% (73/165) of responding facilities, at least 1 CT scanner with Dose Check capability was present. Of sites responding that they had at least 1 CT scanner with this capability, 57% (42/74) had implemented Dose Alerts, and 71% (30/42) had implemented Dose Notifications on CT scanners with the capability. Most responding sites were located in community hospitals (55.8%; 86/154). Although the National Electrical Manufacturers Association CT Dose Check standard and the AAPM recommendations for its use had been available for at least 2 years at the time of the survey, nearly half of the participating sites were not familiar with them. Education and outreach are needed if this tool is to be used effectively.