Sci—Thur PM: Imaging — 06: Canada's National Computed Tomography (CT) Survey

Abstract

The value of computed tomography (CT) in medical imaging is reflected in its' increased use and availability since the early 1990's; however, given CT's relatively larger exposures (vs. planar x‐ray) greater care must be taken to ensure that CT procedures are optimised in terms of providing the smallest dose possible while maintaining sufficient diagnostic image quality. The development of CT Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) supports this process. DRLs have been suggested/supported by international/national bodies since the early 1990's and widely adopted elsewhere, but not on a national basis in Canada. Essentially, CT DRLs provide guidance on what is considered good practice for common CT exams, but require a representative sample of CT examination data to make any recommendations. Canada's National CT Survey project, in collaboration with provincial/territorial authorities, has collected a large national sample of CT practice data for 7 common examinations (with associated clinical indications) of both adult and pediatric patients. Following completion of data entry into a common database, a survey summary report and recommendations will be made on CT DRLs from this data. It is hoped that these can then be used by local regions to promote CT practice optimisation and support any dose reduction initiatives.

CT dose reduction: approaches, strategies and results from a province-wide program in Quebec

“…A CT survey was performed in 2014 in the province of Quebec by Health Canada [93] and the CECR. Compared with the 2008 survey as presented in table 4, 2014 data show significant dose reductions obtained for standard adult patients (60-80 kg), a result that can be attributed in part to the CECR efforts.…”