J Korean Soc Radiol.  2017 Dec;77(6):404-411. 10.3348/jksr.2017.77.6.404.

A Survey of Institutions with Sixteen Detector-Rows or More CT Scanners for the Introduction of National Lung Cancer Screening Program Using Low-Dose Chest CT

• Oh JG
• Paik SH
• Kim BS
• Lee JM
• Goo JM

• KMID: 2396499
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jksr.2017.77.6.404

Abstract

PURPOSE
To survey medical institutions in Korea that conduct chest low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan prior to introduction of the national lung cancer screening (LCS) project.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
From July-October 2016, a survey was conducted in 366 institutions that use CT scanner with 16 detector-rows or more. After explaining the purpose of this study to personnel of institutions or health care centers via phone, an online survey was conducted by sending a questionnaire link to personnel through e-mail or text message.
RESULTS
Among 366 medical institutions, 282 responded to conduct LDCT scan for LCS. The most frequently used CT section thickness was 5 mm and only 29 institutions comply with Korean guidelines for LCS. The number of institutions that employ a full time radiologist was 330. LDCT scan protocols and CT radiation dose structured reporting system were established in 305 and 302 institutions, respectively. Fifty-nine institutions knew about Lung-RADS and only 14 used it.
CONCLUSION
Many of the institutions with 16 detector-row or more CT scanners did not meet Korean guidelines for LSC. Appropriate education and promotion is needed to improve and sustain the quality of LDCT for LCS.

MeSH Terms

Delivery of Health Care
Education
Electronic Mail
Korea
Lung Neoplasms*
Lung*
Mass Screening*
Text Messaging
Thorax*
Tomography, X-Ray Computed*

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Distribution of CT scanner with 16 detector-rows or more (percentage distribution) (2015, Korean Institute for Accreditation of Medical Imaging).

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  Fig. 2. Flow diagram of survey.

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  Fig. 3. Number of chest low-dose computed tomography scans per month.

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  Fig. 4. Number of conventional chest CT scans per month.

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  Fig. 5. CT scanner manufacturer.

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