Standardization of a CT Protocol for Imaging Patients with Suspected COVID-19-A RACOON Project

CT protocols that diagnose COVID-19 vary in regard to the associated radiation exposure and the desired image quality (IQ). This study aims to evaluate CT protocols of hospitals participating in the RACOON (Radiological Cooperative Network) project, consolidating CT protocols to provide recommendations and strategies for future pandemics. In this retrospective study, CT acquisitions of COVID-19 patients scanned between March 2020 and October 2020 (RACOON phase 1) were included, and all non-contrast protocols were evaluated. For this purpose, CT protocol parameters, IQ ratings, radiation exposure (CTDIvol), and central patient diameters were sampled. Eventually, the data from 14 sites and 534 CT acquisitions were analyzed. IQ was rated good for 81% of the evaluated examinations. Motion, beam-hardening artefacts, or image noise were reasons for a suboptimal IQ. The tube potential ranged between 80 and 140 kVp, with the majority between 100 and 120 kVp. CTDIvol was 3.7 ± 3.4 mGy. Most healthcare facilities included did not have a specific non-contrast CT protocol. Furthermore, CT protocols for chest imaging varied in their settings and radiation exposure. In future, it will be necessary to make recommendations regarding the required IQ and protocol parameters for the majority of CT scanners to enable comparable IQ as well as radiation exposure for different sites but identical diagnostic questions.

[The new radiation protection legislation-part 1 : Modifications in radiology for the workflow in clinical routine]

BACKGROUND

On 31 December 2018, the new Radiation Protection Regulation came into effect in Germany and made the new Radiation Protection Act more concrete. The old Radiation Protection Regulation and X‑ray Regulation have thereby been replaced.

OBJECTIVES

The substantial modifications regarding the practical daily routine in radiology are summarized.

METHODS

Modifications and innovations of the New Radiation Protection Act and Regulation compared to the old Radiation Protection Regulation and X‑ray Regulation and accordances were evaluated. Thereby the main focus was in the relevance for workflow in clinical routine.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The new legislation contains a number of regulations that provide crucial tools for implementation of radiation protection, quality assurance, and dose optimization. However, this also requires additional time and personnel.