Multi hospital experiences in the use of RDIM softwares to optimize radiological procedures in computed tomography, mammography and interventional radiology

Abstract

Introduction Radiation Dose Index Monitoring (RDIM) are useful software tools that allow radiological data collection and patient dose monitoring. However its implementation need a thorough acceptance test. Purpose Aim of this work is to test the consistency of data processed by two RDIM software and use the dose index information archived to optimize radiological procedures in our hospitals. Materials and methods We began in 2012 to monitor dose index data from 7 CTs and 2 angiographic units using CareAnalytics (CA) tool by Siemens. CA processes DICOM RDSR stored in PACS. Moreover within an Italian project, RDM by Medsquare has been tested since Gen 2015. RDM collects and analyzes doses delivered to patients during medical imaging examinations. One mammographic installation, 2 CTs and 1 angiographic unit has been connected to RDM. Results For angiographic procedure we have compared the maximum incident air kerma at the reference point at different times and at different C arm positions with the dose values obtained by softwares. For mammography, data from header DICOM have been positively compared with RDM data. For CT we have compared values obtained from console, CA and RDM. Conclusion In our experiences both the software under test seems to be useful tools to monitor radiation dose index. RDM allows wider applications and custom made options. Disclosure Nothing to declare.