CT Technologists: Risks of CT Scanning Can be Lowered
This blog is now focused on laboratory specialties. This article is here for your information only, as jobs are no longer provided for any radiation technician specialties.
I believe the risks of radiation exposure due to CT Scans are concerning, particularly in children. There are times when CT scans are needed and should not be avoided, but there may be too many being done in the US to offset the risks.
CT scans are worrisome because the level of radiation is usually much higher than with other types of radiologic scans, and because a recent survey of radiologists and ER physicians showed that 75% underestimated the radiation dose from a CT scan. A little more than half of radiologists and 91% of ER Doctors did not think that CT scans posed a risk of cancer, although The New England Journal of Medicine conducted a study concluding that CT scans at the current level use could cause from 1.5-2% of cancers in the future. There have been other studies done that show ultrasonography and MRIs, which both use lower levels of radiation, can sometimes been practically used as alternatives to CT scans.
When a radiologic scan is absolutely necessary, and when an alternative method of radiologic scanning can not be substituted, there are several ways by which CT scan exposure can be limited. Newer CT systems have several different control options to automatically limit exposure. Certain areas of the body that are more sensitive to radiation can be shielded to reduce risk. Exposure can be limited by using available software to determine how much radiation is necessary by age and size in order to get a good scan. CT Technologists should make sure to follow all protocols. Finally, increased communication between hospitals can prevent duplicate CT scans being taken for the same condition.
Learn more about hiring CT Technologists.
Souces:
- David J. Brenner, Ph.D., D.Sc., and Eric J. Hall, D.Phil., D.Sc. (2007) Computed Tomography-An Increasing Source of Radiation Exposure. The New England Journal of Medicine http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/357/22/2277
- Ward, Joyce (2008, March 31) CT Scanning and Kids. Advance for Imaging and Radiation Therapy Professionals, 16-17
- Ward, Joyce (2008, March 31) Risky Business: The CT Detate. Advance for Imaging and Radiation Therapy Professionals, 16-17
Comments
Got something to say?
