Computed Tomography Department Research Articles

Injektionsautomaten in der Magnetresonanz- und Computertomographie: Pilotstudie zu hygienischen Aspekten

To evaluate hygienic conditions using automatic injectors in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) during clinical routine. The surfaces of medical devices (e. g., control console) and the palms of the technical and medical staff were microbiologically analyzed by taking imprints before and after hygienic education. In addition, the injector syringes for contrast medium (CM) and saline were checked for microbiological contamination following multiple (MRI: 14 h; CT 8 h) and single use. Furthermore, the potential of retrograde contamination from the patient along the tube was analyzed. A bacterial contamination with typical dermal bacteria was documented for the surfaces of the medical devices, the palms of the technical and medical staff, and the injection syringes following multiple use (MRI: 10/10 CM syringes, 6/10 saline syringes; CT: 8/10 CM syringes, 5/10 saline syringes). Correct hand disinfection in combination with single use of syringes avoided bacterial colonization. Retrograde bacterial contamination from the patient was not observed. Regular hygienic teaching sessions for technical and medical staff in MRI and CT departments using automatic injectors should be mandatory. Furthermore, the multiple use of syringes should be avoided until investigations addressing the potential of bacterial contamination are performed.

The Value of Prone Imaging in CT Pneumocolon

AIM: To evaluate the value of prone imaging in computed tomography pneumocolon.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the U.K., patients commonly undergo computed tomography (CT) pneumocolon in the supine position alone. A prospective analysis of both supine and prone CT images was performed. The degree of distension and the presence/absence of fluid/faecal residue were documented.RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were examined in total. In all cases, all five segments of the colon were well visualized on combined assessment of supine/prone images. Diagnostic distension was obtained in all five segments of the bowel in 69% of cases in the prone position, but in only 24% of patients in the supine position. The rectum and sigmoid colon were well distended in 100 and 88%, respectively, on prone CT, but in only 58 and 35% of cases, respectively, on supine CT. Problems encountered by fluid/faecal residue were eliminated on prone CT.CONCLUSION: Adjunctive prone pelvic CT should be performed in all patients undergoing CT pneumocolon unless the supine images can be fully reviewed and shown to be satisfactory before the patient leaves the CT department. If a single positional sequence is to be performed, then prone CT is the position of choice.Yong, A. A. (2000). Clinical Radiology55, 959–963.

Transmission failure rate for computed tomography examinations in a filmless imaging department

The purpose of the study was to determine the frequency and causes of unsuccessful computed tomography (CT) transmissions in a filmless imaging department and to determine the added efficiency gains provided by the sequential addition of modality worklist software and a major network upgrade. Prospective data on CT transmission error rates were recorded over an 18-month period. During the study interval, modality worklist functionality was added, followed by a network upgrade. Failed transmissions were categorized as to the source of the error (human v technical), and the specific problem encountered. Prior to the introduction of modality worklist software, the initial CT transmission failure rate was 7.6%, which was primarily the result of human error (69%), in the form of data entry error. Upon the introduction of modality worklist software, the transmission failure rate decreased to 3.5%, with human error accounting for only 16% of all failed transmissions. The subsequent addition of a network upgrade from shared Ethernet to switched Ethernet further reduced the transmission failure rate to 2.0%, which was believed to be the result of a reduction in the number of network collisions. Other sources of failed transmission occur at the levels of the CT scanner (network interface card), picture archiving and communication system (PACS)/hospital information system (HIS) interface, and modality gateway. When planning the transmission from film-based to filmless operation, one should consider various hardware, software, and infrastructural requirements to ensure successful PACS implementation. Software upgrades, in the form of modality worklist software, serve to improve technologist productivity by minimizing data entry error. Infrastructural changes, in the form of network upgrading, ensure proper dissemination of electronic data with decreased frequency of network collisions. Collectively, these improvements lead to enhanced transmission of digital images, resulting in productivity gains within the filmless CT department.