C-TECC
CT Education and Collaboration Center

UW/GE Protocols

The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Department of Radiology, in collaboration with GE Healthcare, has undertaken a significant initiative known as the UW/GE CT Protocol Project. This project aims to optimize computed tomography (CT) imaging protocols to enhance image quality while minimizing radiation exposure to patients.

Project Overview

Initiated over a decade ago, the UW/GE CT Protocol Project focuses on developing, validating, and disseminating CT protocols tailored for various GE CT scanner platforms. The primary objectives are to reduce radiation doses, improve diagnostic image quality, and standardize CT imaging practices across healthcare institutions. This collaboration leverages the expertise of UW radiologists, medical physicists, technologists, and GE Healthcare engineers.

Key Milestones

  • Protocol Development and Validation: The team has created and validated protocols for multiple GE CT platforms, including the Lightspeed VCT, Optima CT660, and Revolution Discovery CT. These protocols are designed to address a wide range of clinical indications, adjusting parameters such as contrast administration, patient positioning, and scan settings to optimize outcomes.
  • Global Dissemination: As of September 2017, over 1,175 GE CT scanners worldwide have been shipped with UW-developed protocols pre-installed. This widespread distribution underscores the project’s impact on enhancing CT imaging practices globally.
  • Major Healthcare Adoption: In February 2018, a significant healthcare consortium in the southern United States adopted the UW protocols across their entire CT operations, marking a pivotal moment in the project’s influence on large-scale healthcare providers.

Collaborative Efforts

The success of the UW/GE CT Protocol Project is attributed to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders:

  • Radiologists and Medical Physicists: Their continuous input ensures that protocols are both clinically effective and adhere to the latest standards in radiation safety.
  • Technologists and Nurses: Their hands-on experience and feedback are vital in refining protocols to be practical and efficient in clinical settings.
  • GE Healthcare Engineers: Their technical expertise facilitates the seamless integration of UW protocols into GE CT systems, ensuring compatibility and ease of use for end-users.

Ongoing Commitment

The UW Department of Radiology remains dedicated to the continuous improvement of CT imaging practices. Regular reviews and updates of the protocols are conducted to incorporate technological advancements and address emerging clinical needs. This commitment ensures that healthcare providers worldwide have access to state-of-the-art CT imaging protocols that prioritize patient safety and diagnostic accuracy.
For more detailed information and access to the UW CT protocols, interested parties are encouraged to visit the UW Department of Radiology website.