ACR DIR: A User's Guide for Cardiothoracic Radiologists: Part 2: How to Interpret Your DIR Report.
In the initial installment of this 3-part article, we reviewed the role and logistics of the American College of Radiology (ACR) Dose Index Registry (DIR). In this second installment, we review the essential components of ACR DIR and describe how users can interpret their biannual dose reports by benchmarking them against regional or national levels. Understanding these reports can help participating institutions to identify specific protocols or practices that may benefit from changes in order to minimize patient dose while maintaining diagnostic quality examinations.