Diagnostic imaging costs before and after digital tomosynthesis implementation in patient management after detection of suspected thoracic lesions on chest radiography

Insights into Imaging

Table 5 Unit full costs (€) for the different imaging modalities

	Contrast agent	Medical personnel	Radiographers	Nursing	Asset depreciation	Total cost
CXR	0	11,65	3,05	0	0,45	15,15
DTS	0	23,04	7,92	0	10,59	41,55
Unenhanced CT	0	31,95	7,07	6,98	19,35	65,35
Contrast-enhanced CT	25,83^a	46,24	11,19	11,05	19,35	113,66

Costs are expressed in €
The mean unit occupation time was 6 min (range, 4-9 min) for chest radiography, 13 min (range 9–16 min) for digital tomosynthesis, 15 min (range 11–16 min) for unenhanced computed tomography and 19 min (range, 15–22 min) for contrast-enhanced computed tomography
^aIntended for 100 ml of contrast agent. €25.83 derives from the mean of €25.62 for iomeprol 350 and of €26.05 for iopromide 370