Retrospective analysis of computed radiography exposure reporting.

BACKGROUND: The increasing public spotlight on medical imaging overuse and radiation overexposure has led to a greater demand for radiation dose monitoring. Computed radiography (CR) exposure reporting databases allow radiographers to monitor dose creep, which can help decrease overall patient radiation exposure from medical examinations.
OBJECTIVE: Import exposure data from CR readers into a database that allows administrators to monitor and analyze dose data for quality assurance.
METHODS: A CR exposure reporting database and statistics website was created to analyze CR reader dose data and track dose creep.
RESULTS: Radiography departments can effectively monitor dose creep using a CR exposure reporting database to retrieve and analyze dose data, as well as identify dose trends, workloads, radiographer performance, and need for further training on proper technique. This knowledge can help decrease overall patient radiation exposure from medical examinations. ©2011 by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.