title: Quality assurance in cardiovascular CT: a practical guide.
abstract: Cardiovascular computed tomography (CCT) is a cutting-edge imaging technique providing important, non-invasive, diagnostic information. Concerns exist regarding radiation exposure to patient populations, but achieving optimal image quality at the lowest doses can be challenging. This guide provides practical advice about how quality can be assured in any CCT unit or radiology department. Illustrated by real-world vignettes and data analysis from our own experience, we highlight a multidisciplinary team approach to each stage of the patient journey, the effectiveness of regular dose audit overseen by a CT optimisation group, and the importance of underused systolic scanning techniques, in order to drive significant dose reduction without loss of image quality or clinical confidence.
authors.affiliation: Radiology Department, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: White
authors.affiliation: Radiology Department, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK; Imperial College, London, UK; Physics Department, The Royal Marsden, London, UK.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Castellano
authors.affiliation: Radiology Department, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gartland
authors.affiliation: Radiology Department, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.affiliation: Radiology Department, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK; Imperial College, London, UK.
authors.forename: S P G
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Padley
authors.affiliation: Radiology Department, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK; Imperial College, London, UK.
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Rubens
authors.affiliation: Radiology Department, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK; Imperial College, London, UK. Electronic address: e.nicol@rbht.nhs.uk.
authors.forename: E D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Nicol
mesh_terms: D002309:Cardiology / Q000592:standards; D000072226:Computed Tomography Angiography / Q000592:standards*; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D061214:Patient Safety / Q000592:standards*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D000069079:Radiation Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000592:standards; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000592:standards*; D011871:Radiology / Q000592:standards*; D006113:United Kingdom