Patients and referrers often decline CT for stone follow-up because of radiation. Stating the effective dose — about 1 to 2 mSv for an ultra-low-dose protocol, comparable to a few months of background radiation — in the report and request pathway answers the concern directly. It also reminds urologists the protocol exists.
- Include the protocol name and dose estimate in the report header.
- Compare to background radiation in plain terms for patients.
- Reserve ultrasound for pregnancy, children and when hydronephrosis alone is the question.
- Keep the same protocol at each follow-up so stone sizes are comparable.
Why it matters
Radiation concern, not accuracy, is what keeps stone surveillance on less accurate tests.
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