CT and MRI examinations left behind in the radiology department.
OBJECTIVE
To retrospectively document the reported computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations that were left behind in our radiology department, to calculate their cost, and to determine possible sources of waste in order to draw attention to this subject.


METHODS
The reported and billed CT and MRI examinations for 2003 that were not taken from the radiology department were documented, and the percentage they represented of all CT and MRI performed that year were determined. The total cost of the examinations, including contrast media, was calculated.


RESULTS
In all, 200 CTs out of 4390 and 95 MRIs out of 7003 were left behind in the radiology department during 2003. Total cost of the examinations, including the contrast media, was 31,320 YTL.


CONCLUSIONS
The percentages of CT and MRI examinations left behind in the radiology department were evaluated in this preliminary report. Since we did not find any similar study in the literature, we could not comment on the limits of acceptability of the results; however, we think other radiology departments should determine the percentages CTs and MRIs that are left behind and take the necessary precautions to minimize waste and reduce expenses.
Göktan
Cihan
C
Department of Radiology, Celal Bayar University School of Medicine, Manisa, Turkey. cigoktan@hotmail.com
Pekindil
Gökhan
G
Orgüç
Sebnem
S
Tunçyürek
Ozüm
O
Bayindir
Petek
P
Oner
Metin
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D005260:Female; D017721:Hospital Costs; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017064:Process Assessment, Health Care; D011872:Radiology Department, Hospital / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014421:Turkey; D018505:Waste Management