Program Information
Implementation of a Radiation Exposure Monitoring System for Surveillance of Multi-Modality Radiation Dose Data
B Stewart*, K Kanal , R Dickinson , D Zamora , Univ Washington, Seattle, WA
Presentations
MO-F-19A-6 Monday 2:45PM - 3:45PM Room: 19APurpose: We have implemented a commercially available Radiation Exposure Monitoring System (REMS) to enhance the processes of radiation dose data collection, analysis and alerting developed over the past decade at our sites of practice. REMS allows for consolidation of multiple radiation dose information sources and quicker alerting than previously developed processes.
Methods: Thirty-nine x-ray producing imaging modalities were interfaced with the REMS: thirteen computed tomography scanners, sixteen angiography/interventional systems, nine digital radiography systems and one mammography system. A number of methodologies were used to provide dose data to the REMS: Modality Performed Procedure Step (MPPS) messages, DICOM Radiation Dose Structured Reports (RDSR), and DICOM header information. Once interfaced, the dosimetry information from each device underwent validation (first 15-20 exams) before release for viewing by end-users: physicians, medical physicists, technologists and administrators.
Results: Before REMS, our diagnostic physics group pulled dosimetry data from seven disparate databases throughout the radiology, radiation oncology, cardiology, electrophysiology, anesthesiology/pain management and vascular surgery departments at two major medical centers and four associated outpatient clinics. With the REMS implementation, we now have one authoritative source of dose information for alerting, longitudinal analysis, dashboard/graphics generation and benchmarking. REMS provides immediate automatic dose alerts utilizing thresholds calculated through daily statistical analysis. This has streamlined our Closing the Loop process for estimated skin exposures in excess of our institutional specific substantial radiation dose level which relied on technologist notification of the diagnostic physics group and daily report from the radiology information system (RIS). REMS also automatically calculates the CT size-specific dose estimate (SSDE) as well as provides two-dimensional angulation dose maps for angiography/interventional procedures.
Conclusion: REMS implementation has streamlined and consolidated the dosimetry data collection and analysis process at our institutions while eliminating manual entry error and providing immediate alerting and access to dosimetry data to both physicists and physicians.
Funding Support, Disclosures, and Conflict of Interest: Brent Stewart has funded research through GE Healthcare.
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