Pediatric CT Scan Rise

Published on the July 7, 2011 DiagnosticImaging.com

By Whitney L.J. Howell

The use of CT scans in children is rising. Although the improved technology makes scanning pediatric patients easier, many in the industry worry scans contain doses are too large for children’s body weight and size.

A study in the April Radiology revealed many reasons for the five-fold spike in pediatric CT scans from 1995 to 2008 in emergency departments nationwide. Eighty-five percent occurred in hospitals without a pediatric focus, and industry leaders say this presents an opportunity to educate providers and technologists who work mostly with adults.

“The data confirms the technology has improved, and we can handle motion in young patients with little to no sedation,” says study author David Larson, M.D., a Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center radiologist. “It also shows it’s important for community hospitals to partner with children’s hospitals or vendors to set protocols appropriate for kids.”

 

To read the article in its entirety, visit: http://www.diagnosticimaging.com/pediatric/content/article/113619/1900246