Background/Introduction: In October 2014, Västerbotten County (VLL), Sweden, installed Sectra DoseTrack1 for radiation exposure monitoring in radiology. A versatile and robust IT-solution for exposure monitoring to assist with follow-up of the processes of justification and optimization had been discussed in multidisciplinary X-ray modality specific forums prior to the procurement.
Description of activity and work performed: The installation of Sectra DoseTrack is fairly straightforward from the user end, involving the configuration of sending RDSR and MPPS metadata from an X-ray unit to be connected to the service. During the installation process some assistance from certified service engineers is required due to restrictions in X-ray equipment software.
Conclusion and Recommendations: VLL has used the Sectra DoseTrack radiation exposure monitoring IT-solution since October 2014. Since then, 34 different X-ray units have been connected to the service and DICOM metadata associated with approximately 170 000 examinations and interventional procedures have been recorded. Sectra DoseTrack offers a robust infrastructure for collecting DICOM metadata and presenting macroscopic information on radiation exposure levels, which may be used to improve the processes of justification and optimization for healthcare providers.