Important: All items in bold in the Technique Parameters and Anatomic Coverage sections below are required to successfully achieve accreditation. CTDIvol information is required for each study. Either include a screen save of the dose with the images, or enter the dose as displayed by the scanner in the Clinical Test Image Data Sheet. Please be aware, special attention must be paid to scanner output (CTDIvol) for pediatric studies. The facility will not receive a pass if the radiation dose is perceived to be too high, regardless of whether the rest of the CT study conforms to satisfactory criteria. Upload the primary reconstructed images used for diagnostic interpretations; include the scout(s) and dose report. Do NOT submit the sagittal, coronal and extra thin images unless specifically listed under required series.
Pediatric Head |
Technique Parameters |
Required Series | Non-enhanced |
Reconstructed Slice Width | ≤ 5 mm |
Reconstruction Algorithm | Standard or equivalent |
Scan FOV | "Head" or equivalent |
CTDIvol | Reference value: 35 mGy; Pass/Fail criteria: 40 mGy (CTDIvol values are based on a 1-year-old age) |
Anatomical Coverage |
Coverage | Base of the skull through the vertex |
Lens Exposure | Lens exposure should be avoided |
Pediatric Sinus |
Technique Parameters |
Required Series | Coronals - May be reconstructed from axial images |
Reconstructed Slice Width | ≤ 3 mm from the frontal through the anterior ethmoid sinuses ≤ 5 mm from the posterior ethmoid through the sphenoid sinuses |
Reconstruction Algorithm | Detail or other high spatial frequency |
Scan FOV | "Head" or equivalent |
CTDIvol | There are no reference values for this examination |
Anatomical Coverage |
Coverage | Frontal through the ethmoid sinuses |
Pediatric Temporal Bones |
Technique Parameters |
Required Series | Axial and coronal images - Coronal images may be reconstructed from axial images |
Reconstructed Slice Width | ≤ 1.5 mm |
Reconstruction Algorithm | Edge or other high spatial frequency |
Scan FOV | "Head" or equivalent |
CTDIvol | There are no reference values for this examination |
Anatomical Coverage |
Coverage | Mastoid tip through petrous bone |
Display FOV | 10 cm |
Pediatric Soft Tissue Neck- Coming Soon |
Technique Parameters |
Required Series | Axial with sagittal and coronal reformations****Must be performed with IV contrast**** |
Reconstructed Slice Width | ≤ 3 mm |
Reconstruction Algorithm | Sharp (or equivalent) and Smooth (or equivalent) |
CTDIvol | There are no reference values for this examination |
Anatomical Coverage |
Coverage | Skull base (sellar floor) to top of arch |
Revision History for this Article |
Date | Section | Description of Revision(s) |
12-12-19 | All | Article created; FAQs incorporated; No criteria changes |
3-30-2021 |
| Added information to important notice about submitting the primary reconstructed images |
1-7-2026 |
| New Pediatric Spine Module- Coming Soon. Added pediatric soft tissue neck exam requirements; moved pediatric C-spine to new Pediatric Spine Module |
