Consumable Material Waste and Workflow Efficiency Comparison Between Multi-use Syringeless and Single-use Syringe-Based Injectors in Computed Tomography

Giuseppe V Toia; Sean D Rose; Zita Brown; Dominic Dovalis; Carrie M Bartels; Rachel M Bladorn; Kelsey L Schluter; Meghan G Lubner; Timothy P Szczykutowicz

doi:10.1016/j.acra.2023.05.038

Consumable Material Waste and Workflow Efficiency Comparison Between Multi-use Syringeless and Single-use Syringe-Based Injectors in Computed Tomography

Acad Radiol. 2023 Oct;30(10):2340-2349. doi: 10.1016/j.acra.2023.05.038. Epub 2023 Jun 26.

Authors

Giuseppe V Toia¹, Sean D Rose², Zita Brown³, Dominic Dovalis³, Carrie M Bartels⁴, Rachel M Bladorn⁴, Kelsey L Schluter⁴, Meghan G Lubner⁴, Timothy P Szczykutowicz⁵

Affiliations

¹ Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53792 (G.V.T., C.M.B., R.M.B., K.L.S., M.G.L., T.P.S.); Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53792 (G.V.T., T.P.S.). Electronic address: gtoia@uwhealth.org.
² Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030 (S.D.R.).
³ College of Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1415 Engineering Dr, Madison, WI 53792 (Z.B., D.D.).
⁴ Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53792 (G.V.T., C.M.B., R.M.B., K.L.S., M.G.L., T.P.S.).
⁵ Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53792 (G.V.T., C.M.B., R.M.B., K.L.S., M.G.L., T.P.S.); Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53792 (G.V.T., T.P.S.); Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1550 Engineering Dr, Madison, WI 53792 (T.P.S.).

PMID: 37380534
DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2023.05.038

Abstract

Rationale and objectives: Syringeless power injectors obviate the need for reloading iodinated contrast media (ICM) and plastic consumable pistons between exams. This study evaluates the potential time and material waste (ICM, plastic, saline, and total) saved using a multi-use syringeless injector (MUSI) compared to a single-use syringe-based injector (SUSI).

Materials and methods: Two observers recorded technologist time spent using a SUSI and a MUSI over three clinical workdays. CT technologists (n = 15) were polled on their experience between the systems using a 5-point Likert scale survey. ICM, plastic, and saline waste data from each system were collected. A mathematical model was created to estimate total and categorical waste from each injector system over a 16-week period.

Results: On average, CT technologists spent 40.5 seconds less per exam with MUSI compared to SUSI (p < .001). Technologists rated MUSI work efficiency, user-friendliness, and overall satisfaction (strongly or somewhat improved) higher relative to SUSI (p < .05). Iodine waste was 31.3 L and 0.0 L for SUSI and MUSI, respectively. Plastic waste was 467.7 kg and 71.9 kg for SUSI and MUSI, respectively. Saline waste was 43.3 L and 52.5 L for SUSI and MUSI, respectively. Total waste was 555.0 kg and 124.4 kg for SUSI and MUSI respectively.

Conclusion: Switching from SUSI to MUSI resulted in a 100%, 84.6%, and 77.6% reduction in ICM, plastic, and total waste. This system may fortify institutional endeavors toward green radiology initiatives. The potential time saved administering contrast using MUSI may improve CT technologist efficiency.

Keywords: CT power injector; Computed tomography; Green radiology; Quality improvement.

MeSH terms

Contrast Media
Humans
Injections
Syringes*
Tomography, X-Ray Computed* / methods
Workflow

Substances

Contrast Media