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The management of image quality and radiation dose during pediatric CT scanning is dependent on how well one manages the radiographic techniques as a function of the type of exam, type of CT scanner, and patient size. The CT scanner's display of expected CT dose index volume (CTDIvol) after the projection scan provides the operator with a powerful tool prior to the patient scan to identify and manage appropriate CT techniques, provided the department has established appropriate diagnostic reference levels (DRLs). This paper provides a step-by-step process that allows the development of DRLs as a function of type of exam, of actual patient size and of the individual radiation output of each CT scanner in a department. Abdomen, pelvis, thorax and head scans are addressed. Patient sizes from newborns to large adults are discussed. The method addresses every CT scanner regardless of vendor, model or vintage. We cover adjustments to techniques to manage the impact of iterative reconstruction and provide a method to handle all available voltages other than 120 kV. This level of management of CT techniques is necessary to properly monitor radiation dose and image quality during pediatric CT scans.

CT scans are powerful tools used in the care of pediatric patients daily. Yet the increased use of CT warrants careful monitoring. This article defines diagnostic reference levels and how they can be used to guide practice. Once a facility has adapted its techniques and protocols to fall within diagnostic reference levels or target values, the facility can expand its quality-improvement efforts to include a new concept, diagnostic reference ranges (DRRs). DRRs take into account the subjective image quality of the examination and provide a minimum estimated patient dose, below which accurate interpretation of an image might be difficult, and an upper estimated dose, above which the patient dose may be higher than necessary. This paper also describes how the American College of Radiology Dose Index Registry can be used by a facility as a continuous quality improvement tool to monitor and manage appropriate patient dose.

This paper describes how cooperation among international organizations, as modeled in Europe, can work to improve imaging safety and standards for children throughout the world. This is demonstrated in the mechanisms employed in a large-scale multi-national study on CT imaging safety practices described elsewhere in this issue of Pediatric Radiology. Here we learn approaches through which CT safety standards have been achieved and the international resources available to help in standardizing safety practices in medical imaging. There are unique strengths of the approach in Europe, which has mandatory requirements on member states to facilitate strengthening of radiation protection. Most countries have national regulatory mechanisms for radiation protection in medicine. International organizations play a significant role in supporting projects in lower-resource countries such that a large proportion of radiologic professionals in low-resource countries are trained through assistance by these organizations. Many of these international organizations make it possible for professionals worldwide to download free training material. Collaboration among international organizations and the Image Gently campaign toward consensus with regard to radiation protection can go further than individual opinions in promoting a higher standard of radiation protection around the world.

When determining a strategy for pediatric CT scanning, clinical staff can either elect to adjust routine adult-protocol parameter settings on a case-by-case basis or rely on pre-set pediatric protocol parameters. The advantages of the latter approach are the topic of this manuscript. This paper outlines specific options to consider, including the need for regular protocol review.