VirtualDose™CT radiation dose software is completely web-based; minimum or no local maintenance is required.

• Ct Dose Monitoring Software

Ct Dose Monitoring Software

While computed tomography (CT) has revolutionized medical imaging, it has also required much higher doses of ionizing radiation than was previously used in traditional X-ray imaging. In recent years, vendors have turned their attention to developing technology to drastically reduce dose. Some of the reduction stratgies are using techniques like tube modulation. More recent advances include development of iterative reconstruction software to produce diagnostic-quality images from lower-dose scans. The software works by applying algorithms to remove noise for low-dose image reconstruction to improve clarity. Members of the, an organization of medical imaging equipment manufacturers, now incorporate the key radiation dose management mantra of.

MITA has set guidelines through its CT Dose Check Initiative for developing better dose-management techniques. In addition, suggested guidelines for dose reduction have come from the Joint Commission, the Image Wisely and Image Gently campaigns, the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM). The emphasis on dose reduction was accelerated when California became the first state to enact a law requiring radiologists to record all radiation doses delivered to patients, starting July 1, 2012. Other states are expected to enact similar reporting requirements.

Recording dose and including it in the electronic medical record (EMR) will become more important in the future. New Iterative Reconstruction Software In September 2011, GE introduced Veo, which applies new modeling techniques to deliver lower noise, increased resolution, improved low-contrast detectability and fewer artifacts for overall improved image clarity. GE said the software is the first model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) technique. Veo users in Europe report chest CTs done with an equivalent amount of radiation dose as a chest X-ray, or less than 0.1 millisievert (mSv).

GE Healthcare’s ASiR (adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction) low-dose reconstruction technology is available on a variety of GE imaging platforms. It is used on more than 800 scanners worldwide. At RSNA 2011, Toshiba unveiled Adaptive Iterative Dose Reduction 3D (AIDR 3D) technology. Still pending 510(k) approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the software will be available on Toshiba’s Aquilion One, Aquilion Premium and Aquilion Prime systems.

It lowers dose using a sophisticated algorithm designed to work in both the raw data and image data space, reducing noise to maintain image quality. The AIDR 3D software integrates with SUREExposure 3-D, software that calculates the minimum radiation exposure required for every exam. It adjusts dose for each patient based on a pre-set, targeted level of image quality. Toshiba’s new Aquilion Prime offers Nema XR 25 Dose Check. The software enhances user awareness of the radiation being administered to patients. It includes dose alert and dose notification, addressing the two main components of MITA’s CT Dose Check Initiative.

Philips reports it has more than 500 installs for iDose, the latest generation of its iterative reconstruction technique. It gives radiologists control of the dial so they can personalize image quality depending on clinical needs at low dose. It can be used in combination with the iCT, Ingenuity and Brilliance 64 scanner families. The system lets radiologists personalize image quality based on each patient’s specific needs. Siemens launched several new reconstruction software packages last year, including FAST CARE and a raw data-based iterative reconstruction called SAFIRE (sinogram affirmed iterative reconstruction). With SAFIRE, raw data are utilized in the iterative image improvement process. The software performs multiple iterative loops in the raw-data domain and then corrects geometrical imperfections.

It reconstructs images from this “corrected” raw data. Siemens’ Iterative Temporal Resolution Improvement Method (iTRIM) employs an iterative image reconstruction algorithm to raise overall image quality in cardiac examinations and curbs noise. This results in a 195-millisecond temporal resolution. Motion artifacts are reduced, enabling accurate diagnosis, even during a rapid heartbeat. Siemens’ CARE (Combined Applications to Reduce Exposure) Dose 4-D adapts the X-ray tube current in real time for the entire scan.

This ensures consistently high image quality while keeping dose as low as possible for all organs and types of anatomy. Dose Management Software At RSNA 2011, Siemens unveiled the Somatom Perspective. It is the first CT scanner to offer the eMode software solution, which helps determine the best correlation between dose, efficiency and image quality; it can also adjust the required scan parameters automatically. The system’s operation can be optimized for the individual scan, in terms of tube current or scan velocity.

This allows the scanner to operate with as low a load as possible, minimizing wear, and it also increases the scanner’s life cycle.

Z-DOSE29 FDA 510(k) Cleared NEMA XR-29 Solution Become NEMA XR-29 (MITA SmartDose) compliant with Zetta Medical Technologies, developed, tested and Implemented XR-29 solution. Zetta is proud to introduce Z-DOSE29. Zetta is the only independent service provider in the market that is your single source for this software. Zetta's new product development team of engineers, clinical and applications specialists developed our Z-DOSE29 based on our customers' needs and in compliance with the NEMA XR-29 standard.

Z-DOSE29 Interfaces with CT scanners from major OEMs: GE, Siemens, Philips and Toshiba. Z-DOSE29 is FDA 510(k) cleared and it complies with the NEMA XR-29 standard attributes. How Does Z-DOSE29 Work? The setup process takes a couple of hours and it includes the time for physical installation needed to connect Z-DOSE29 to your network. Through secure networking protocols and proprietary connectivity algorithm Z-DOSE29 interacts with your CT scanner to determine the CTDi and DLP values for each series and notifies the CT technologist of any values exceeding the predefined threshold. It also records these values in a database for the department manager to view dose reports and charts. Dose Check notifications appear on the display screen of the CT scanner in front of the technologist.

The technologist will have the opportunity to modify the parameters to lower the dose values. Alternativey, the operator can enter a reason for exceeding a dose threshold for these situations where it is necessary to do so. For each study, and as Z-DOSE29 adds up the CTDI values for every series (and automatically records it in the database), it tracks the sum of all values to ALERT the technologist if the total sum for one study reaches 1000mGy. This alert condition is a safety feature to ensure patient's safety and protects the healthcare provider as well as the operator. In this case, scanning can not begin until a password is entered to unlock the generation of X-Ray. Simultaneously, an electronic alert notification will also be sent to the facility director of this high dose condition. Z-DOSE29 collects the data needed to generate a comprehensive Radiation Structured Dose Report and prepares it for transfer to the ACR Dose Index Registry (DIR).

A user-friendly database of dose information is also provided to allow supervisors and department directors to access the data and generate a multitude of reports ad charts to measure performance and operations. These reports are detailed and can be shared with CMS, JCAHO and ACR professionals to demonstrate dose management and tracking capabilities. Access to this Dose Database is secure with unique username(s) and password(s). For healthcare providers with multiple facilities and different locations we offer Z-DOSE29 PLUS to give you a centralized server to view all Dose data in one easy application with secure connectivity and secure multiple users log-ins.

Training of your technologists for Z-DOSE29 and Z-DOSE29 PLUS is part of what we do. We offer on-site training for your team and back it with telephone and remote support to make sure you are always up and scanning. What are the requirments for dispalying Dose Notifications and Alerts? Dose Notifications/Alerts must be dispayed on the CT (or PET/CT) Operator's Console and not on any other alternative/external monitors. This is a basic requirment for any solution to comply with the XR-29 standard. Z-DOSE29 displays the dose notifications/alerts on the operator's console; without the need to utilize any external (and unnecessary monitors). Here is an excerpt from NEMA XR-25 Computed Tomography Dose Check, section 2.1.2: “2.1.2 Checking Prior to SCANNING The NOTIFICATION VALUE(S) for the current PROTOCOL ELEMENT(S) shall be visible to the operator prior to confirmation of the PROTOCOL ELEMENT GROUP.

When a PROTOCOL ELEMENT GROUP is confirmed, the system shall display a notification (see 2.1.4) on the operator’s console if the estimated CTDIvol or DLP exceeds the corresponding NOTIFICATION VALUE(S). The notification shall be displayed prior to the start of the SCAN, and shall never interrupt the SCAN.” Also the MITA letter 'Is-Your-CT-Smart-Dose-Compliant-Whitepaper.pdf' issued in May 2015 states clearly that the Dose Notifications MUST appear on the CT Operator Console for the CT to be compliant. Excerpt from Page 2: '. The CT Dose Check. Dose related notification and alert messages must appear on the operating console of the CT scanner prior to starting a scan in order for the system to be compliant.' And Page 3: 'd.

Dose Check: Do alerts and notifications appear on the operating console of the CT scanner prior to starting a scan? ' What is the purpose of the password in case of a Dose Alert situation? Both NEMA XR-29 (which also includes XR-25) and Z-DOSE29, require the operator to input a secure password (prior proceeding to scan) if the total CTDI value for the study will exceed the total threshold value (as determined by the healthcare provider). Unless the correct password is entered, the scanner's operator will not be able to start scanning. This feature is a requirement of the XR-29 standard. Please see the excerpt from the NEMA XR-25 Computed Tomography Dose Check section 2.2.2 below: “2.2.2 Checking Prior to SCANNING. To proceed with SCANNING when an ALERT VALUE has been exceeded, the system shall require the operator to enter his/her name and reconfirm the chosen PROTOCOL ELEMENTS before proceeding to the SCAN.

The system shall also provide password-protection capability that prevents execution of the SCAN unless the correct password is entered. ” What scanners (make/model) is Z-DOSE29 compatible with? We have installed Z-DOSE29 on. Would Zetta issue a Certificate of Compliance for Z-DOSE29?

Yes, as required by the NEMA XR-29 standard, Zetta issues the Customer a certificate of compliance, certifying that your scanner (with Z-DOSE29) complies with the published attributes of NEMA XR29-2013 for CT Equipment Related to Dose Optimization and Management, (as referenced in Section 218 of the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014, 42 USC §1395(p)) and incorporates each of the four attributes of XR-29 standard. Are there any videos to show Z-DOSE29 displaying dose notifications and alerts on the CT operator's console? See the following YouTube videos for Z-DOSE29 working with: Is there a return on investment calculator that can help me decide to purchase a XR-29 solution? Yes, to see the Return On Investment for your XR-29 upgrade. Select Year 2016 or 2017 or the number of scans per day (per CT scanner) and different other variables to see your break-even point. What is MITA's Independent Vendor Evaluation Guide and what are Zetta's answers to their questions?

MITA offers healthcare providers an Evaluation Guide of Independent Vendors offering XR-29 solutions. Please click the following link to read Zetta's answers to the evaluation guide questions to see how Z-DOSE29 meets your requirements. Can you provide customer references for your Z-DOSE29?

Yes, we can provide you with a reference list of customers who purchased Z-DOSE29. Also see more feedback on our page. I purchased Z-DOSE29, what form do I need to complete to schedule my installation? After completing the purchase agreement for Z-DOSE29 please submit the following to schedule the installation. Zetta is not affiliated with any OEM. Become NEMA XR-29 compliant today.