Radiation
By: Marcy Madrid, MMH
Updated: September 2, 2011
There's no question that imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are an invaluable diagnostic tool, but recent news stories have brought into question just how safe they are and how much is too much. We spoke with Dr. Larry Edwards about whether or not radiation is dangerous and this is what he had to say:
"The radiation dose in a chest X-ray is about the same amount you'd be exposed to naturally in 10 days of normal activities. But radiologists still want to minimize your radiation exposure. If we can get the information we need by using a technology that doesn't involve radiation, such as an ultrasound or an MRI, we will, if it's appropriate to do so"
Patients may also wonder if imaging tests are safe, why technologists sometimes wear lead shielding. Dr. Edwards tells us that the single exposure of an exam isn't dangerous, but it's the sum total of the 50 tests the technologists do every day that could pose a danger. He adds that the average person wouldn't have that many imaging tests in a lifetime.
Dr. Edwards also explained that radiation safety is something they think about every day and Midland Memorial takes many steps to protect their patients from radiation. One way they do this is by continually investing in the latest imaging equipment available because each new generation of equipment is designed to get better images with lower doses of radiation
"The radiation dose in a chest X-ray is about the same amount you'd be exposed to naturally in 10 days of normal activities. But radiologists still want to minimize your radiation exposure. If we can get the information we need by using a technology that doesn't involve radiation, such as an ultrasound or an MRI, we will, if it's appropriate to do so"
Patients may also wonder if imaging tests are safe, why technologists sometimes wear lead shielding. Dr. Edwards tells us that the single exposure of an exam isn't dangerous, but it's the sum total of the 50 tests the technologists do every day that could pose a danger. He adds that the average person wouldn't have that many imaging tests in a lifetime.
Dr. Edwards also explained that radiation safety is something they think about every day and Midland Memorial takes many steps to protect their patients from radiation. One way they do this is by continually investing in the latest imaging equipment available because each new generation of equipment is designed to get better images with lower doses of radiation
