ANZ journal of surgery
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ANZ journal of surgery · Nov 2019
Time to computed tomography: does this affect trauma patient outcomes? A retrospective analysis at an Australian major trauma centre.
Computed tomography (CT) is an essential diagnostic tool for severe multi-trauma patients. International guidelines recommend an optimal time of 1 h from arrival. The aim of this study was to determine the time interval from arrival at the emergency department to CT for all trauma patients and the effects on in-hospital mortality and hospital length of stay. ⋯ Our time to CT scanning is well within the timeframe recommended by international guidelines. Early CT scanning may also improve outcomes in severely injured trauma patients.