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

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.

Keywords

• surveys
• tomography
• x-ray computed
• lung neoplasms
• mass screening