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.
It is important for reviewers to be aware that there may be significant differences between the dose estimates reported by some CT scanners for pediatric scans based on which phantom size (16 or 32 cm diameter) is used to report the CTDIvol values in the dose report. Though the manufacturers are converging on a standard for pediatric abdomen exams being reported with the 32 cm (body) CTDI phantom only, there are still differences between manufacturers in the existing installed base of scanners. The difference between reporting dose to a 32 cm diameter phantom to that of a 16 cm diameter phantom for the same scanner output can be a factor of 2 to 2.5 (lower when the 32 cm phantom is used). Therefore, reviewers are asked to pay special attention to the phantom size used in reporting CTDIvol on the scanner for pediatric abdomens.
Pediatric Abdomen |
Technique Parameters |
Required Series | IV Contrast Enhanced |
Reconstructed Slice Width | ≤ 5 mm |
Reconstruction Algorithm | Standard or soft tissue (or appropriate body kernel) |
Oral Contrast | It is recommended oral contrast material be present with barium or neutral (water) contrast agents |
CTDIvol | Reference value: 15 mGy; Pass/Fail criteria: 20 mGy (As reported by the scanner using a 16 cm phantom. If scanner reports values using a 32 cm phantom, then approximate limits would be 7.5 mGy and 10 mGy. The CTDIvol is based on a 40-50 lb. patient size.) |
Anatomical Coverage |
Coverage | Diaphragm to pubic symphysis |
Pediatric Adrenal or Renal |
Technique Parameters |
Required Series | IV contrast enhanced |
Reconstructed Slice Width | ≤ 3 mm |
Reconstruction Algorithm | Standard or soft tissue (or appropriate body kernel) |
Oral Contrast | Not required |
CTDIvol | There are no reference values for this examination |
Anatomical Coverage |
Coverage | Extend just above the diaphragm to the iliac crest or inferior extent of the kidneys |
Revision History for this Article |
Date | Section | Description of Revision(s) |
12-12-19 | All | Article created; FAQs incorporated; No criteria changes |
3-6-2020 | Pediatric Abdomen | Added (water) to neutral contrast agents |
12-3-2020 | Pediatric Abdomen | Changed anatomic coverage from "Diaphragm through iliac crest" to "Diaphragm to public symphysis" |
3-30-2021 |
| Added information to important notice about submitted the primary reconstructed images |
12-21-2021 | Pediatric Abdomen | Edited oral contrast recommendation |
