In a study of a single pediatric trauma center registry, patients receiving initial care at an outside facility underwent excess CT scanning; many scans were performed without reduced-radiation protocols.
Computed tomography (CT) scans are commonly ordered during initial trauma care. CT scans obtained at referring institutions may fall outside Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) guidelines; be of poor technical quality, requiring repeat imaging; or be performed without reduced-radiation protocols. There is growing concern that early, high-dose radiation exposure in children may increase the risk for certain hematologic malignancies. In addition, excess scanning delays trauma care and increases healthcare costs.
Investigators retrospectively analyzed all abdominopelvic and head CT scans performed on patients before transfer to a level 1 pediatric trauma center (PTC) during a 4-year period. They assessed appropriateness of imaging (defined acco…
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresConsultant / Advisory boardVerathon, Inc. (Scientific Advisory Board Member)
Editorial boardsScientific American Emergency Medicine; Manual of Emergency Airway Management (Editor-in-Chief)
Leadership positions in professional societiesPrograms Subcommittee Chair for the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine–Residency and Fellowship Fair
DisclosuresConsultant / Advisory boardVerathon, Inc. (Scientific Advisory Board Member)
Editorial boardsScientific American Emergency Medicine; Manual of Emergency Airway Management (Editor-in-Chief)
Leadership positions in professional societiesPrograms Subcommittee Chair for the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine–Residency and Fellowship Fair