Most Hospitals Meet ACR Pediatric Head CT Levels

Most hospitals report doses that meet American College of Radiology accreditation levels for pediatric head CTs, according to a study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology.

Researchers from University of Washington in Seattle and Washington State University College of Nursing Spokane, and Emory University in Atlanta, GA sought to determine the variation of radiation dose CT dose index volume (CTDIvol), and dose-length product (DLP) for pediatric head CT examinations as a function of hospital characteristics across the United States.

A survey with questions about the use of MDCT scanners, dedicated pediatric CT protocols, and dose values was sent to a representative sample (751) of hospitals across the country. A total of 292 responded and 253 were eligible.

The results showed that most of the hospitals that responded (99.2%) used MDCT scanners and most (93%) had a dedicated pediatric protocol. Estimated mean reported CTDIvol values were 27.3 mGy and DLP values were 390.9 mGy × cm. There was no significant variation in values when taking into account region, trauma level, teaching status, CT accreditation, number of CT scanners, or report of a dedicated pediatric CT protocol, the researchers noted. They did find, however, that estimated CTDIvol reported by children's hospitals was 19% lower than that reported by general hospitals.

The researchers concluded that 82% of hospitals surveyed met the ACR accreditation levels, but mean CTDIvol at pediatric facilities was lower than at adult facilities.