Reducing Your Risk
Reducing your exposure can be as simple as asking questions. Learn who should be most concerned about radiation exposure, and hear Debra recount a time when the test ordered was more than really necessary. You may believe that the technologist and radiologist are ensuring you always get the most tailored and appropriate test -- and that is the goal of radiologists and technologists -- but this may not always happen. Ask what test you will be receiving, and ask if there is a way to limit the dose.

Questioning the Test

Sometimes a provider may order imaging for a larger part of the body than necessary. Debra recounts a situation like this, and provides insight into the sometimes frustrating reality that we must keep a watchful eye on our care and ask questions when something is not clear.

 

 

Who should be most concerned about radiation dose from medical imaging (such as CT scans)?

  • Different CT scans require higher and lower doses of radiation to produce clear, useful images of the body. However, ionizing radiation produced by the scan can affect the DNA molecules in a patient's tissues, causing damage that can potentially lead to cancer later in life. Higher dose scans increase this risk. While the possibility of developing cancer as a result of a CT scan is still relatively low, it is important to minimize potential hazards for patients as much as possible during their examinations and treatments. Radiologists should utilize a level of X-ray radiation in their scans that will produce a clear enough image for diagnostics as well as minimize risks for patients as much as possible.
  • Managing CT radiation becomes less important in some situations when the benefits of having a very clear scan outweigh the risks of developing cancer. When diagnosing serious trauma or scanning someone with a terminal illness, a high dose scan that produces a clearer picture for a quick diagnosis is more important than the possible risk of cancer. High dose scans of elderly patients are also preferable over low dose ones, as the clarity of imaging for immediate treatment again outweighs the risk of developing cancer much later.
  • Minimizing CT radiation is especially important for young children. Children are more susceptible to the effects of radiation and more precautions with exposure should be taken when scanning young patients. While growing children are especially vulnerable, adults should also generally avoid overexposure to CT radiation. Asking your provider about alternative treatments to CT scans when possible will help you to avoid unnecessary radiation. Learn more HERE

How can I get the lowest dose?

It is important to discuss lower doses with your providers to reduce the potential risks that come with CT scans.  Emergency CT technicians are more concerned with the immediate treatment of patients than any potential long-term effects of radiation exposure. For non-emergency situations, the negative effects of radiation should be more closely considered. Different types of CT scans require different levels of radiation, but lowering exposure within those necessary levels helps to reduce risk for cancer. There is no blanket protocol for different CT doses across every hospital, so the variation between doses from hospital to hospital is immense and many doses are much higher than necessary.  Discussing the issue of high dose CT scans with your provider is an important first step in convincing technicians to lower doses. By speaking to your provider about the dose for your CT scan, you can ensure that you are not exposed to an unnecessarily high level of radiation. Learn more HERE