Personalising CT with Centargo and Smart Protocols, because everybody is different

Every day, a diverse patient population presents unique imaging challenges to CT departments all over the country. North Devon District Hospital’s CT department understand this and recently made the decision to upgrade their CT injector to Bayer’s Medrad Centargo to help face these challenges. Individualising protocols for every patient’s scan has in the past been considered impractical. Bayer’s Centargo is now available with Workflow Solutions which includes Smart Protocols software, streamlining the personalisation process into a few clear steps.

Emma Williamson, deputy superintendent CT radiographer explains the thinking behind their decision to upgrade. “Bayer’s educational presentation about personalising protocols was logical, easy to follow. The discussions presented an obvious way forward when it comes to injecting a dose of iodine consistent with the weight of the patient rather than a set volume for every patient. The comparison to any pharmaceutical drug was one of those ‘why didn’t I think of that before’ moments. A medic doesn’t prescribe the same amount of a drug for every patient, so why do we do that with iodine?” Emma continues: “Although the maths and physics behind personalising protocols are a bit confusing, the Bayer applications specialist was able to explain exactly what we would have to do and why, followed by a demonstration of how the Centargo does all the ‘maths’.”

Smart Protocols software is designed to give radiographers more control, enable routine personalisation and provide added confidence by ensuring protocols comply with departmental policies.

Emma explains how Centargo and Smart Protocols have impacted the CT service at North Devon. “Smart Protocols software has altered the way our radiographers think about intravenous contrast. This wasn’t a cost saving exercise; however, it has started to save us contrast. We previously used a fixed volume of contrast for each patient, so this has been a huge step forward for patient care. This has been especially noted in our pulmonary angiograms. The contrast saving has been observed and there has been increased consistency in our image quality.” Emma adds “We also have the opportunity to reflect the reduction in kVp in our protocols. Reducing the kVp means reducing the iodine dose which is a further benefit for our patients.”

Changing the way a CT department works takes a great leap of faith, personal investment from all involved and a lot of support. “The Bayer team have been an absolute joy to work with,” Emma enthuses. “Molly and Dave are so positive and have totally invested in us. Dave, Bayer’s applications specialist has gone out of his way to ensure the entire team are on board and know exactly what personalising protocols is all about. I think the development of each member of the CT team, empowering them and giving them the opportunity to personalise scans has enhanced the department as a whole. I feel it has taken away the feeling that we are just there to push buttons. The fact that I am a CT radiographer actually means something and we do make a difference.”

With a modern, streamlined user interface, modality worklist integration and built-in barcode reader, Centargo easily incorporates Smart Protocols into the CT workflow.

Picture: Bayer clinical specialist David Hall, deputy superintendent CT radiographer Emma Williamson, Bayer key account manager Molly Bingaman, radiographer Kyra Reeves and radiographer Faisal Amin.

This news story has been sponsored by the companies concerned and does not represent the views or opinions of RAD Magazine.

PP-M-CEN-GB-0165 | December 2022