Purpose
This guide offers a step-by-step walkthrough of ACR DIR Knowledge Base articles to help new users learn how to use the ACR DIR-DR module.
What is the DIR-DR?
Learn about the ACR’s National Radiology Data Registry (NRDR), Dose Index Registry (DIR), and DIR-DR Features.
How do I get started? – Step-by-Step Process for Submitting DR Data to the National Dose Registry
Step 1. Identify and List Eligible Machines
Compile a list of all machines capable of sending RDSR data.
For each unit, record:
AET title / Station Name
Institution Name (as shown in PACS)
ACR Facility ID (ensures equipment is linked to the correct facility in the registry).
Unit Type (Fixed or Mobile)
Detector Technology (e.g., Cesium Iodide)
Step 2. Review Data Pathways
Verify how your facility’s Digital Radiography (DR) Data is transferred to the National Dose Registry.
Step 3. Configure Device Profiles
Log in to the Device Profile webpage to access your settings
Confirm/update the following fields:
Type of Unit: Fixed or Mobile (required by registry).
Status of Equipment: Active or Inactive (required by registry).
Detector Technology: Enter, though not currently used by registry.
Step 4. Confirm Data Receipt
Run the Data Completeness Report to verify:
Device profile information.
Dose index data completeness.
For additional checks:
Routine QC: use the DR Summary of Data Submitted Report.
Exam-specific inquiries: use the Exam Detail Report, filtering by:
Facility
Modality = Projection X-ray
Acquisition Date
Step 5. Map Your Protocols
To start, use the sorting function generate a list of the 20 most common exams at your facility
Use the Multiple Mapping Feature to download a spreadsheet of your studies.
Confirm your User Role and verify Mapping Settings for mapping at the corporate account or facility level. Mapping at the corporate account level is generally recommended.
In the spreadsheet:
Copy the study description (to the left of the “|” character).
Use Ctrl+F to locate matching entries.
With the DIR-DR: Facility Procedure to ACR Common ID Mapping Guide, assign the appropriate ACR Common ID in Column F.
Change the mapping status to 1.
Step 6. Recheck Data Completeness
Re-run the Data Completeness Report, now focusing on mapped protocols.
If needed, repeat Step 5 with an additional 20 exam descriptions to expand coverage.
What do the DIR-DR reports provide?
The DR Summary of Data Submitted Report provides summary counts of exams by ACR Common ID, Study Description, Station, Facility, and Date Added to the registry. Learn more about this report.
The DR Standardized Dose Index Report by View uses an interactive database that allows you to review your facility’s dose statistics and compare them against that of all DIR DR participation sites. Various dashboards are available to benchmark facility performance against the registry using scatter plots, bar graphs, and box-and-whisker plots. Within an institution, comparisons can also be made across different DR manufacturers and user-defined station groups. These visualization tools allow you to identify problematic DR exams and stations to guide the effort of continuous quality improvement. Dose statistics are reported by body part and anatomical view. This report is limited to the most common (e.g. chest radiography) or higher kerma-area product (e.g. lumbar spine radiography) studies that are mapped to an ACR Common ID. Learn about this report's features and how to use it to gain performance insights.
The DR Standardized Dose Index Report by Procedure has similar functionalities as the DR Standardized Dose Index Report by View. However, data are stratified by ACR Common ID, Study Description, or Requested Procedure Description, instead of body part and view. In addition, it includes data from all mapped studies, not limited to the most common or higher kerma-area product studies. Learn about this report's features and how to use it to gain performance insights.
Familiarize yourself with all Available DIR Reports and learn about recent changes to DIR reports.