CT Head Lens Exclusion Audit

Abstract

Objective: An audit was conducted to assess the number of CT head scans in which one or both lenses of the eye were excluded, from scans conducted in the A&E and inpatient setting, as well as in the outpatient setting in a UK district general hospital. For the purposes of this paper, we will focus on the inclusion of both lenses in the A&E and inpatient setting, as well as the outpatient setting in both audit loops. Study Design: The data was collected via an audit cycle. The first audit loop reviewed lens exclusion in 50 consecutive CT head scans performed in the A&E and inpatient setting, as well as 50 consecutive CT head scans performed in the outpatient setting taken between January- February 2021. The results were shared with the radiology department at the district general hospital the audit was conducted in. Staff education about the need for CT head lens exclusion was the key intervention. A re-audit was conducted using the same criteria as the first audit loop for scans performed at the end of May-June 2021. The results for the re-audit were also shared with the team. Results: 1. A&E and inpatient scans: In the re-audit, 46 CT head scans included the lenses of both eyes. In the original audit, 42 CT head scans included the lenses of both eyes. 2. Outpatient scans: In the re-audit 42 CT head scans included the lenses of both eyes. In the original audit, 45 CT head scans included the lenses of both eyes. Conclusion: This audit demonstrates that equipment and patient-related factors may pose an ongoing challenge to avoiding the lens in performing a CT head scan. Educational support and awareness is needed to further reduce the radiation to the lens.