Improved pediatric multidetector body CT using a size-based color-coded format.
OBJECTIVE
CT technique should be adjusted while scanning infants and children. One format that has proven successful in simplifying pediatric care and reducing medical error is the size-based, color-coded Broselow-Luten pediatric system. This color-coded system can serve as a format for CT protocols. The purpose of this investigation was to compare variation (or error) occurrence and technologist preference for conventional and color-coded formats for pediatric multidetector body CT protocols.


METHODS
Multidetector CT examinations were set up using either a conventional or a color-coded format for a period of 6 weeks each. Variations (errors) from protocol parameters (including tube current, detector configuration, table speed, and IV contrast media dose) were tabulated. Qualitative assessment consisted of a survey of CT technologists (n = 20) for preference in six areas related to ease of use and clarity of the formats.


RESULTS
There were 44 CT examinations (n = 30 infants and children) in the conventional group and 55 CT examinations (n = 31 infants and children) in the color-coded protocol format group. Overall, the number of errors was significantly less in the color-coded group (p < 0.01), with a significantly lower error percentage in individual parameters affecting radiation dose, including tube current, detector configuration, and table speed (p < 0.05). In all areas, the color-coded format was preferred over the conventional format (p < 0.0003).


CONCLUSIONS
Color-coded CT formatting is an extension of a clinical color-coded system. This system provides an easy, expeditious, consistent, and preferable format for general pediatric body CT protocols. Most importantly, the color-coded system can reduce variations (errors) in the radiology department.
Frush
Donald P
DP
Division of Pediatric Radiology, Department of Radiology, McGovern-Davison Children's Health Center, Rm. 1905, Duke University Health System, Box 3808, Erwin Rd., Durham, NC 27710, USA.
Soden
Britt
B
Frush
Karen S
KS
Lowry
Carolyn
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D000488:Allied Health Personnel; D001835:Body Weight; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011860:Radiography, Abdominal; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013679:Technology, Radiologic; D015898:Tomography Scanners, X-Ray Computed; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
D003287:Contrast Media