In an effort to broaden patients’ protection from excessive radiation, the American College of Radiology (ACR) has launched a CT Dose Index Registry, allowing facilities to track their radiation doses from CT and to gauge their emitted doses against other institutions.

Part of the ACR’s National Radiology Data Registry, the CT Dose Index Registry will include radiation dose information from radiology practices and departments across the U.S., providing individual facilities national and local benchmarks by which to assess—and the ACR hopes, adjust—their levels of CT radiation.

“The registry allows facilities to understand their dose index relative to other institutions in their area and nationwide. Right now, many facilities may know their dose levels, but not how those relate to other practices or national benchmarks,” said John A. Patti, MD, chair of the ACR board of chancellors.

In collaboration with Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise (IHE), the ACR worked with vendors to develop the Radiation Exposure Monitoring Profile, which will allow CT dose information to be collected and transmitted across multiple vendor platforms. All patient information will be decoupled from the dose information.

“The Registry is a significant new tool to ensure proper CT dose use and that patients receive safe, quality imaging care moving forward,” stated Richard L. Morin, PhD, chair of the ACR Dose Index Registry.

Facilities can access the Dose Index Registry by clicking here.