Imaging tests have become increasingly common in today’s world. Imaging tests are shaping the healthcare world by providing accurate diagnoses. Like every technology, it also comes with some drawbacks. The major fear among people is radiation exposure. Radiation is potentially hazardous. We constantly expose ourselves to radiation in our day-to-day lives from the environment. The amount of radiation exposure in imaging tests is influenced by several factors, including the type of test performed, the specific body area exposed, the individual’s body size, age, sex, and other relevant considerations.
Amount of Radiation Exposure from Imaging Test
A single chest X-ray exposes you to 0.1 mSv. It is the same amount of radiation you get exposed to in 10 days from a natural background.
A standard mammogram typically results in an average total dose of 0.4 mSv.
A CT scan dose is about 10 mSv.
A PET/CT is exposed to about 25 mSv of radiation.
Does radiation increase the risk of cancer?
Ionizing radiation is the type of radiation in X-rays, CT scans, and nuclear imaging. It has high-energy wavelengths or particles that can penetrate tissue to reveal the body’s internal structures. When ionizing radiation interacts with the cells in our body, it can damage DNA. While our cells are generally efficient at repairing this damage, there can be instances of imperfect repair, leading to DNA mutations that may contribute to cancer development in the future.
The risk of cancer due to medical radiation exposure is shallow for most individuals, especially if the doses are low. However, the long-term effects of radiation damage may take many years to manifest, and we may not fully understand the extent of the risk until later in life. However, high doses of radiation, like those used in cancer treatment, can cause serious tissue damage and significantly increase the risk of developing cancer later in life.
Effect of radiation on children
Children are more sensitive to the harmful effects of radiation compared to adults due to their smaller body size and organs that are still developing and not fully shielded. They have a longer life expectancy; besides any potential effects of radiation exposure have a greater opportunity to manifest over time. To ensure the safety of them undergoing imaging tests, it is crucial to adjust CT settings and radiation doses according to their smaller body size, preventing them from receiving higher radiation doses than necessary. Necessary precautions minimize the risks associated with radiation exposure in pediatric patients.
Safety measures taken by the labs to minimize radiation exposure
Medical Professionals take precautions to minimize radiation exposure during imaging tests, especially for children and young adults, and they weigh the benefits of the test against the potential risks. It’s essential for patients to communicate openly with their radiologists and doctors about any concerns particularly regarding radiation exposure and to understand the necessity of the recommended imaging procedures.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Medical professionals and patients wear appropriate PPE, such as lead aprons or vests, gloves, and safety goggles, to shield themselves from unnecessary radiation exposure.
Qualified Staff
Radiologists, highly qualified medical professionals, conduct radiation procedures. They educate patients about the procedure, its potential risks, and necessary precautions.
Strict Protocols
Strict controls are in place for managing radiation, which includes entry and exit controls, inventory control, storage, and proper disposal of radioactive materials.
Worker Training
All lab staff undergo extensive training in radiation protection. This includes understanding the health effects associated with ionizing radiation doses and learning radiation protection procedures to minimize exposure and prevent contamination.
Emergency Protocols
Laboratories have well-defined emergency procedures to be followed in case of any unforeseen incidents.
Precautions that patients need to keep in mind while undergoing imaging tests with radiation
- Limit the time of exposure to the minimum necessary.
- Ensure that you keep a safe distance from the radiation source.
- Utilize shielding to create a barrier between yourself and the radiation source.
- Wear appropriate protective clothing to safeguard against radiation exposure.
Undergo only necessary imaging tests and minimize exposure to all types of radiation whenever possible. If you require a test that involves radiation, inquire whether there are options to shield parts of your body that are not being imaged. A lead apron can protect areas like the chest or abdomen and a lead collar(thyroid collar) to safeguard the thyroid gland during the procedure. These precautions help reduce unnecessary radiation exposure while still getting the right diagnosis and treatment.
Conclusion
The safety measures ensure imaging tests are performed with the utmost care and consideration for patient well-being. It reduces the risks associated with radiation exposure while still providing accurate and essential diagnostic information. Open communication between healthcare providers and patients is encouraged to address any concerns. The communication ensures that the recommended imaging procedures are necessary and appropriate for each case.
Aarthi Scans and Labs places the safety of their patients as their top priority. They uphold a commitment to transparency in all procedures and responsibly adhere to established safety protocols throughout their operations.