Turnaround Time of Acute Multi-Modal Stroke Imaging Should Not Be More Than 11 Minutes

Abstract

Background: Multimodal stroke imaging (Non-contrast CT, CT perfusion and CT angiogram) is essential to acute stroke assessment, there is currently no benchmark for this key process from real world data. Methods: Retrospective review of the turnaround time of consecutive multimodal imaging performed for acute stroke assessment at two high volume stroke centers in Australasia from July to September 2019.Results: 252 imaging studies were included from both sites. The overall median time from acquisition to imaging availability was 13 minutes (IQR 11- 16). The median for Christchurch and Box Hill were 11 minutes (IQR 10 – 12) and 15 minutes (IQR 13 – 19) respectively. Conclusions: Multimodal stroke imaging turnaround time of 11 minutes is a reasonable benchmark.

The quest to reduce stroke treatment delays at a Melbourne metropolitan primary stroke centre over the past two decades

“…In similar vein, currently 25% of patients are thrombolysed within 40 min with median DCT and median multi-modal CT completion time of 10 min and 15 min respectively. 26 Hence, in 75% of patients, more than 15 min are spent after CT completion on decisionmaking, IVT preparation and addressing abovementioned delay factors. Indeed, whether the high number of 'Code Stroke' in recent years play a role in the stagnation of DNT require further investigation.…”

“…Half of these delays were due to non‐modifiable patient factors surrounding eligibility ascertainment and management of acute medical conditions. In similar vein, currently 25% of patients are thrombolysed within 40 min with median DCT and median multi‐modal CT completion time of 10 min and 15 min respectively 26 . Hence, in 75% of patients, more than 15 min are spent after CT completion on decision‐making, IVT preparation and addressing abovementioned delay factors.…”