Quality criteria for computed tomography

• Forschungsstelle: EU FRP
• Projektnummer: 96.0336
• Projekttitel Englisch: Quality criteria for computed tomography

Schlüsselwörter (Englisch)

CT; radiation protection; quality criteria

Alternative Projektnummern (Englisch)

EU project number: FI4P-CT96-0050

Forschungsprogramme (Englisch)

EU-programme: 4. Frame Research Programme - 5.2 Nuclear fission safety

Kurzbeschreibung (Englisch)

See abstract

Partner und Internationale Organisationen (Englisch)

Aarhus University Hospital, University Hospital Leiden, University of Oxford, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore, GSF München, NRBP London, European Institute of Oncology Milano

Abstract (Englisch)

Radiation Protection in man has to face the problem that recently up to 40 % of the collective radiation dose in diagnostic radiology derives from CT examinations. In order to minimise radiation exposure, optimised procedures for CT must be developed and recommendations published.
The quality criteria concept has proved to be an efficient means for optimising the use of ionising radiation in medical imaging procedures as already shown in conventional and pediatric radiology.
Only limited research base for guidance in this field is available. Therefor since 1994 a study group initiated by the EC edited a draft document on Quality Criteria for Computed Tomography. The aim of the concerted action was finalise this document and to develop protocols for trials to test the relevance and applicability of the QUALITY CRITERIA throughout Europe. The CT working document deals with 26 types of CT investigations subdivided into 6 groups. For each type, the preparatory steps are descirbed like appropriate indications, advisable preliminary investigations, patient preparation and guidelines on scan projection radiography. Image criteria are rougly defined such, that a general estimation of the qualitiy of the CT investigation can be performed by image evaluation only.
The first working document was published and send out for comments throughout the EC in 1997. A large number of comments from european radiologists were implemented and the result presented and discussed during a workshop in Luxembourg, Oct. 1997.
Results from a first pilot study on the Quality Criteria assessment were presented during a workshop in Aarhus, Nov. 1998. The investigations took place in 4 different countries including Switzerland. Reading and statistical evaluation of the pilot projekt data has been finalizel in 1998.
The Quality Criteria Concept implements a continuous registration of scanning dose by means of direct measurement of the dosimetric quantities: weighted CT-dose index (CTDIw) and dose length product (DLP), which must be applicable to older and recent scanner generations throughout the EU.
The final version of the Quality Criteria Document will be distributed in mid 1999 by the EU authorities.

Datenbankreferenzen (Englisch)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 96.0336