The Particulars: Reducing the standard dose during CT-guided targeted biopsy reduces patient exposure to radiation. However, the effect of this approach on diagnostic accuracy and major complication rates is not well known.
Data Breakdown: Study investigators compared imaging records and pathology reports for patients undergoing CT biopsy before and after standard dose reduction techniques were implemented. Major and minor complication rates remained unchanged at 4% and 12%, respectively. The average number of passes with the introducer needle was 1.06 before the standard dose reduction change, compared with 1.16 after. Diagnostically acceptable tissues were obtained in 100% of pre-intervention patients and 94% of post-intervention patients.
Take Home Pearl: Standard dose reduction when using CT-guided biopsy appears to decrease patient exposure to radiation while maintaining safety and diagnostic accuracy.
