Produce computed tomography (ct) scanning images for diagnostic purposes

This standard is concerned with the use of computed tomography (CT) equipment and procedures to produce images for diagnostic purposes. It includes selecting the most appropriate scan protocol depending on the individual's condition and clinical history. Key people are those involved in the individual's care and others involved in provision of services. Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects

1. apply standard precautions for infection control and other appropriate

   health and safety measures

   2. ensure all necessary preparations have been made by the individual

   and staff before starting the procedure

   3. check and prepare the equipment required for the examination

   4. ensure the environment is conducive to maintaining the privacy and

   dignity of the individual

   5. check the identification details before commencing the procedure in

   accordance with local policies and procedures

   6. introduce yourself and other members of staff present during the

   examination

   7. communicate with the individual / key people to facilitate their

   understanding of and co-operation with the examination

   8. establish the individuals capacity to understand the procedure with

   the help of key people if necessary

   9. obtain valid consent for the procedure in accordance with national

   and local guidelines

   10. respect the individuals privacy, dignity, beliefs and decisions

   11. clearly explain the procedure and possible outcomes, including risk,

   benefits and limitations

   12. check individuals of child-bearing potential for pregnancy or

   possible pregnancy, if appropriate to the examination, and take action

   in accordance with local protocols

   13. confirm the status of key people before the examination and, where

   their presence is required, adhering to local guidelines

   14. enter the identification details of the individual into the CT scanner

   or, if previously entered, check for accuracy

   15. accurately select all parameters required for the scan according to

   local scan protocols for the procedure, assess any required

   modifications and take appropriate action

   16. position the individual and adjust their clothing according to the

   protocols for the examination to be performed in a manner which allows

   an optimal outcome to be achieved while:

   16.1 recognising the individuals need to retain their dignity and self

   respect

   16.2 ensuring their comfort as far as possible

   16.3 preventing the appearance of artefacts

   17. check the room prior to making the exposure to ensure that only

   essential, protected persons remain with the individual, that all local

   protocols have been adhered to and take appropriate action if this does

   not occur

   18. commence the scan and monitor the individuals condition,

   compliance and well-being throughout the procedure and take action

   appropriate to their needs

   19. view the images on completion of the scan to ensure they are

   technically acceptable and suitable for diagnostic purposes

   20. create multi-planar reformats (MPR) from the relevant datasets as

   appropriate

   21. review images for clinical acceptability, take appropriate action,

   including further imaging if required

   22. monitor and record the individuals exposure to ionising radiation

   throughout the procedure according to local protocols

   23. following the preliminary imaging examination, inform the

   appropriate person if an abnormality is observed on the image which is

   likely to require further investigation or treatment

   24. provide the individual with information relating to the procedure and

   aftercare where necessary

   25. explain the process for obtaining results

   26. optimise, record, collate and prepare appropriate information,

   documentation and images for transfer or storage according to local

   protocols

   27. verify that the images have arrived/been stored according to local

   protocols

   28. recognise where help or advice is required and obtain this from

   appropriate sources

1. legal, organisational and policy requirements relevant to your role,

   the role of others in your organisation and the activities being

   carried out

   2. the relevant national and local standards, guidelines, policies and

   procedures that are available and how and when they should be

   accessed

   3. the importance of respecting individuals culture, privacy, dignity,

   wishes, beliefs and decisions

   4. the limitations of your own knowledge and experience and the

   importance of operating within your scope of practice

   5. the roles and responsibilities of other team members

   6. the importance of obtaining valid consent in line with national and

   local guidelines

   7. clinical appropriateness of the examination request and the action

   to take when the request is not appropriate

   8. the gross surface and cross-sectional anatomy of the areas to be

   scanned

   9. the relevant physiology of the areas to be scanned

   10. the common normal variants and their appearance on CT images

   11. common pathologies of the areas to be scanned and their

   appearance on CT images

   12. the medical terminology relevant to the examination including

   abbreviations

   13. contra-indications to CT scanning including the clinical

   implications of any allergy relevant to the examination

   14. manifestations of individuals physical and emotional status

   15. when additional images are required to aid diagnosis and to

   enhance the examination and the process for justification

   16. production, interactions and properties of x-rays

   17. the physical processes involved in the production of CT images,

   optimisation, scanning techniques and protocols

   18. the harmful effects of radiation to the human body and use of

   radiation protection equipment

   19. the ways in which CT images can be captured, processed and

   permanently stored

   20. how to adapt communication styles, ask questions, and listen

   carefully in ways which are appropriate for the needs of the

   individual

   21. methods of communicating difficult and complex information to

   individuals and key people

   22. the importance of providing individuals and key people with

   opportunities to ask questions and increase their understanding

   23. the information that should be given to individuals before, during

   and on completion of the examination

   24. the physical principles of CT scanning

   25. alternative imaging examinations that may be employed alongside

   CT scanning

   26. the technical and diagnostic quality requirements of the image

   27. artefacts on images - their causes and avoidance strategies

   28. factors which influence the decision to repeat images or take

   additional CT images

   29. the operation, safe use and positioning of equipment that

   supports, works or links with the CT scan protocol

   30. the use of quality assurance equipment, recording results and

   taking appropriate action

   31. equipment capabilities, limitations and routine maintenance

   including the quality control processes required by the operator

   32. the importance of timely equipment fault recognition and local

   procedures for reporting these

   33. preparation of the environment, individual and equipment for CT

   Scanning

   34. positioning of the individual and equipment relevant to

   examination being performed

   35. procedures relating to recording, collating and preparing

   appropriate information, documentation and images for transfer or

   storage according to local protocols

   36. how to keep full, accurate and clear records in line with

   organisational procedures

This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS

Knowledge and Skills Framework (October 2004):

Dimension: HWB6 Assessment and treatment planning