title: Dose tracking and dose auditing in a comprehensive computed tomography dose-reduction program.
abstract: Implementation of a comprehensive computed tomography (CT) radiation dose-reduction program is a complex undertaking, requiring an assessment of baseline doses, an understanding of dose-saving techniques, and an ongoing appraisal of results. We describe the role of dose tracking in planning and executing a dose-reduction program and discuss the use of the American College of Radiology CT Dose Index Registry at our institution. We review the basics of dose-related CT scan parameters, the components of the dose report, and the dose-reduction techniques, showing how an understanding of each technique is important in effective auditing of "outlier" doses identified by dose tracking.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA.
authors.forename: Phuong-Anh
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Duong
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA. Electronic address: brent.p.little@emory.edu.
authors.forename: Brent P
authors.initials: BP
authors.lastname: Little
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D012042:Registries; D012955:Societies, Medical; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*