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Improved pediatric multidetector body CT using a size-based color-coded format.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Frush, DP; Soden, B; Frush, KS; Lowry, C
Published in: AJR Am J Roentgenol
March 2002

OBJECTIVE: CT technique should be adjusted while scanning infants and children. One format that has proven successful in simplifying pediatric care and reducing medical error is the size-based, color-coded Broselow-Luten pediatric system. This color-coded system can serve as a format for CT protocols. The purpose of this investigation was to compare variation (or error) occurrence and technologist preference for conventional and color-coded formats for pediatric multidetector body CT protocols. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multidetector CT examinations were set up using either a conventional or a color-coded format for a period of 6 weeks each. Variations (errors) from protocol parameters (including tube current, detector configuration, table speed, and IV contrast media dose) were tabulated. Qualitative assessment consisted of a survey of CT technologists (n = 20) for preference in six areas related to ease of use and clarity of the formats. RESULTS: There were 44 CT examinations (n = 30 infants and children) in the conventional group and 55 CT examinations (n = 31 infants and children) in the color-coded protocol format group. Overall, the number of errors was significantly less in the color-coded group (p < 0.01), with a significantly lower error percentage in individual parameters affecting radiation dose, including tube current, detector configuration, and table speed (p < 0.05). In all areas, the color-coded format was preferred over the conventional format (p < 0.0003). CONCLUSION: Color-coded CT formatting is an extension of a clinical color-coded system. This system provides an easy, expeditious, consistent, and preferable format for general pediatric body CT protocols. Most importantly, the color-coded system can reduce variations (errors) in the radiology department.

Duke Scholars

Published In

AJR Am J Roentgenol

DOI

ISSN

0361-803X

Publication Date

March 2002

Volume

178

Issue

3

Start / End Page

721 / 726

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Tomography Scanners, X-Ray Computed
  • Technology, Radiologic
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Radiography, Abdominal
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
  • Male
  • Infant
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
NLM
Frush, D. P., Soden, B., Frush, K. S., & Lowry, C. (2002). Improved pediatric multidetector body CT using a size-based color-coded format. AJR Am J Roentgenol, 178(3), 721–726. https://doi.org/10.2214/ajr.178.3.1780721
Frush, Donald P., Britt Soden, Karen S. Frush, and Carolyn Lowry. “Improved pediatric multidetector body CT using a size-based color-coded format.AJR Am J Roentgenol 178, no. 3 (March 2002): 721–26. https://doi.org/10.2214/ajr.178.3.1780721.
Frush DP, Soden B, Frush KS, Lowry C. Improved pediatric multidetector body CT using a size-based color-coded format. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2002 Mar;178(3):721–6.
Frush, Donald P., et al. “Improved pediatric multidetector body CT using a size-based color-coded format.AJR Am J Roentgenol, vol. 178, no. 3, Mar. 2002, pp. 721–26. Pubmed, doi:10.2214/ajr.178.3.1780721.
Frush DP, Soden B, Frush KS, Lowry C. Improved pediatric multidetector body CT using a size-based color-coded format. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2002 Mar;178(3):721–726.

Published In

AJR Am J Roentgenol

DOI

ISSN

0361-803X

Publication Date

March 2002

Volume

178

Issue

3

Start / End Page

721 / 726

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Tomography Scanners, X-Ray Computed
  • Technology, Radiologic
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Radiography, Abdominal
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
  • Male
  • Infant