Substantial cost savings and energy reduction would be realized if radiologists would shut down their equipment when they finish their shift, according to a paper in the November issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology.
A team led by Dr. Prasanth Prasanna, of the University of Maryland Medical Center, found that shutting down workstations and monitors after an eight-hour day would save the department more than 76.3% in energy costs.
The researchers used an electric meter to calculate the electrical consumption and cost of running their workstations and monitors during both active and standby states. Based on an 11¢ cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh), not including taxes and fees, the team found that in aggregate, all workstations and monitors in their department would use approximately 137,759.54 kWh, costing $15,153.55. If all equipment were shut down after an eight-hour workday, however, the department would only consume 32,633.64 kWh.
That represents a savings of 83,866.6 kWh and $9,225.33, according to Prasanna.
