A comprehensive approach to CT radiation dose reduction: one institution's experience.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to review the process of creating and implementing a comprehensive plan to reduce diagnostic radiation exposure at our institution. CONCLUSION: This process, which was initiated by forming a radiation dose reduction committee, addressed several different issues to improve patient safety. These include avoidance of unnecessary CT examinations, adjusting individual scanning parameters, revising protocols, use of shielding and dose monitoring, and implementing computer-based dose modulation software as well as educating referring physicians and radiologic technologists.