Study aims to slash risky CT scans in trauma patients with a simple decision tool

NCT ID NCT04937868

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of California, Los Angeles Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study is developing a decision tool to help doctors identify blunt trauma patients who can safely skip abdominal-pelvic CT scans, avoiding unnecessary radiation and expense. Researchers will collect data from 12,000 patients in the emergency department to find a set of clinical signs that reliably rule out serious injuries. If the tool proves accurate, it could prevent millions of unnecessary scans each year.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to: If successful, this could create a simple checklist that lets doctors safely skip CT scans for many blunt trauma patients, reducing radiation exposure and healthcare costs.
What could go wrong: This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. The tool may not be sensitive enough in practice, or doctors may still choose to scan due to liability concerns.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Abdominal Injuries aortic aneurysm Aortic Dissection Aortic Rupture drug-induced liver injury hip fracture Hip Injuries injury intestinal disorder spinal injury Vascular System Injuries Wounds, Nonpenetrating

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ABDOMINAL INJURY AORTIC DISSECTION AORTIC RUPTURE BOWEL DISEASE DIAPHRAGM INJURY GENITAL HEMORRHAGE HIP INJURIES LIVER INJURY LUMBAR SPINE INJURY PELVIC FRACTURE RENAL INJURY SACRAL FRACTURE SPLEEN INJURY VASCULAR SYSTEM INJURIES

Contacts and locations

Locations

Ronald Reagan Hospital
RECRUITING

Los Angeles, California, 90024, United States

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