2026-02-02 – Weekly Radiology News : Efficient IR checklist reduces delays

Last week on the forum, discussions ranged from optimizing portable radiography to the intricacies of pediatric imaging. Members shared practical advice on balancing speed and safety with portable units, as well as debating the merits of MRI versus CT for diagnosing appendicitis in young children. There was also a lively conversation about using structured templates in oncology CT scans to enhance diagnostic clarity. Additionally, a new checklist for interventional radiology preparation drew attention for its efficiency in reducing procedural delays.


This Week’s Hot Topics

Keeping portables fast and safe
The community is weighing in on strategies to maintain efficiency without compromising patient safety when using portable radiography. It’s a practical debate with tips from the trenches.
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MRI or CT for toddler appendicitis
Radiologists are discussing the pros and cons of MRI versus CT for diagnosing appendicitis in toddlers, considering both accuracy and safety.
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Keeping DI in range on portables
A thread on maintaining diagnostic image quality in portable settings is sparking interest, with practical insights on dose management.
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Structured oncology CT templates that work
Explore how structured templates can improve consistency and clarity in oncology CT reports, a key topic for those in cancer imaging.
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One-page IR prep checklist that trimmed delays
A concise prep checklist for interventional radiology is making waves for its role in minimizing procedure delays.
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Adjusting monthly dosimeter exchange timing
This discussion focuses on optimizing dosimeter exchange schedules to enhance radiation safety protocols.
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CME on safer CBCT during TACE
A Continuing Medical Education session is highlighted for its focus on safety improvements in cone-beam CT during transarterial chemoembolization.
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Getting ALARA right from day one
ALARA principles are revisited with a focus on instilling best practices from the start, a vital read for newcomers and veterans alike.
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Trace SAH on noncontrast head CT
A technical discussion on identifying subtle signs of subarachnoid hemorrhage in noncontrast head CTs is gaining traction.
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Why PA chest uses 72-inch SID
The rationale behind the standard 72-inch source-to-image distance in PA chest X-rays is being explored, shedding light on common practice.
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That’s a wrap for this week’s highlights. Keep engaging with these discussions and sharing your valuable experiences. Until next week, stay informed and inspired.

With portables, a 30-second ‘battery/plate’ check cut repeats 18% here, but adds a minute on busy rounds.

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I’ve found that prepping a quick checklist for our portable sessions helps us avoid common pitfalls. It might add a minute or two upfront, but it saves time in the long run by reducing repeats. Plus, @radiologytips often shares useful resources for building efficient protocols.

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