Centargo Equipped with Smart Protocols Versus Stellant Injectors: A Comparison of the Impact on Contrast Media Usage, Sustainability, and Workflow Efficiency in CT Scan Suite

This study evaluates the impact of Multi-use practices in computed tomography (CT) and MEDRAD® Centargo injectors equipped with Smart Protocols and other functionalities aimed for optimizing contrast media consumption, workflow efficiency, patient care time, and environmental sustainability at the CIMROD center. Data were collected across three measurement periods, assessing contrast volume per patient, distribution of activity on several tasks, injector preparation time, time for Iodinated contrast media documentation for traceability, and waste measurements. The Centargo injector equipped with Smart Protocols and kV optimization reduced contrast volume from a target of 80 mL to an average of 72.98 mL using Smart Protocols, then further optimized to 69.95 mL using kV optimization. Compared to previous injector generation, there was a decrease in non-added value tasks such as injector preparation time by 47.3%, measured with Udubu, or 72.35 s, measured by chronometer, per injected procedure. The multi-use implementation reduced waste production by 69% and 74%, respectively, for Centargo and Stellant multi-use versus single-use injectors. Even if the study has limitations, injectors such as Centargo equipped with Smart Protocols and other functionalities enhance operational and financial efficiency along with sustainability in radiology and contributes to clinical practice evolution.