National survey of computed tomography unit capacity.

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Abstract
Of 521 computed tomography (CT) units 61% did not have the capacity to meet the current national guideline of 2500 examination/yr. Capacity is primarily determined by study mix, e.g., head or body, without and/or with contrast agent. A new guideline using a scale of head equivalent CT (HECT) units is proposed. The recommended annual level of 3000 HECT units is based on the capacity of 2/3 of the 441 responding hospitals, whose units are staffed 52.4 h/wk; 75% of which are actually available for examinations. Of scans on body units 25% are body studies, 39% are double studies and 35% only contrast enhanced studies; 70% of the head studies are double studies and 16% are done with contrast agent alone. On head units the corresponding values are 58% and 20%.

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