Radiation Awareness
Diagnostic imaging tests, such as x-rays and CT scans, can be extremely valuable in the diagnosis of illness and disease. However, it is important to understand the risks associated with certain medical imaging procedures.
Risks Associated With Diagnostic Medical Imaging
The primary risks associated with diagnostic medical imaging procedures are adverse effects of radiation exposure, which may increase the risk of developing cancer and "false-positive" interpretations. In most cases, the exposure to radiation is generally so small that the risk is far outweighed by the medical benefit of having a needed test. False-positive interpretation of non-significant findings in a diagnostic study however may lead to a series of costly, unnecessary and inconvenient events.
Diagnostic Imaging Tests That Involve Radiation
- X-rays
- CT or CAT (computerized tomography) scans
- Nuclear medicine studies
- PET (positron emission tomography) scans
- Bone density scans
- Mammograms
Diagnostic Imaging Tests That Don't Involve Radiation
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- MRA (magnetic resonance angiography)
- Ultrasound (or sonogram)
How Can You Minimize Your Risk?
To help ensure appropriate use of diagnostic imaging, and to minimize your risk, you should:
- Have an open discussion with your physician. Find out about the risks and benefits associated with the recommended diagnostic imaging procedure. Be sure your doctor knows your diagnostic imaging history (what other scans you have had and when you had them), so he or she can develop the most appropriate diagnostic plan for you.
- Understand the purpose of the procedure. It is important for you to know why the diagnostic test is being recommended for you. For example, examinations "just to see how things are going," are rarely necessary and run the risk of false-positive interpretation.
- Select a top-quality imaging facility. Another way to help minimize your risk is to have your imaging procedure at an accredited imaging facility.
The bottom line is that x-rays, CT scans and PET scans involve some potential risk of radiation exposure. At the same time, these imaging tests can be a valuable diagnostic tool for physicians, and the risk is often outweighed by the medical benefit when used appropriately.
You should feel comfortable asking questions and having a discussion with your physician about the risks and benefits of medical imaging. Remember to track your diagnostic imaging tests and share your history with your physician. This record of previous tests can be valuable for understanding your medical history and for managing your radiation history risk over time.