Doylestown Hospital uses advanced CT technology to increase patient safety

Initiative means patients receive less radiation

Doylestown Hospital has launched a new initiative designed to produce high quality medical images with the lowest amount of radiation exposure. Doylestown Hospital radiologists are now able to obtain accurate CT images with less radiation to the patient, a concern of particular importance for pediatric patients and those in need of multiple scans. Called iDose, the advanced technology uses significantly less radiation without sacrificing the diagnostic quality of the images.

“The bottom line is there is less risk for the patient,” says Doylestown Hospital Radiation Safety Officer Kevin Fillmore, M.D. “It’s a great step forward in patient safety.”

Computed tomography (CT) is a diagnostic modality that uses special X-ray equipment to obtain cross-sectional pictures of the body. The CT computer displays these pictures as detailed images of organs, bones and other tissues. iDose creates images of the same, if not better, quality with about 40% less radiation. The goal is to decrease radiation levels without sacrificing diagnostic quality, explains Dr. Fillmore, Chairman of the Radiation Safety Committee.

When it comes to radiation exposure to patients, Doylestown Hospital is committed to following the ALARA principle: as low as (is) reasonably achievable. CT generates a significant source of radiation to patients, which is a concern for possible cancer risk. Only recently have computers and software been powerful and fast enough to contribute to radiation dose reduction without impairing quality needed for accurate diagnoses.

This comprehensive approach to medical imaging is based on the hospital’s Philips CT (Cat Scan). It includes techniques, programs, and practices to ensure optimum image quality while minimizing radiation exposure to patients and the hospital’s clinical staff.

Philips iDose technology automatically calculates the best technique for each exam to deliver the lowest X-ray dose with optimum image quality. The hospital’s imaging technologists also use Philips DoseAware system to carefully monitor X-ray dose to ensure each patient gets just the right amount to produce a quality image, reducing the need for retakes.

iDose is being used with the CT scanner in the hospital’s Emergency Department, where all pediatric patients and adults with chronic diseases who require frequent scans will receive care. The scanner is operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Another benefit associated with iDose is the capability of clearer imaging in patients with orthopedic hardware (metal) such as joint replacements.    

“Doylestown Hospital cares about patient safety,” says Dr. Fillmore. “With iDose, we have improved diagnostic capabilities and the image quality is the same with less radiation. There is a definite benefit to the community.”

To learn more about Doylestown Hospital’s commitment to managing radiation dose in medical imaging, visit the hospital’s website at www.dh.org/CT-scan.