What can we do to reduce overexposure of CT?

• Educate patients about CT exposure:
• 90% reported confidence in a medical evaluation that included patient history, a physical exam, blood work, and a CT scan.
• Dr. Fred Mettler, recommends that patients discuss test ordered with them and the possible amount of radiation given, as well as alternative testing.
• Tailor the dose to the patient's size.
• Radiology equipment by the manufactures are placing new protocols to help reduce radiation exposure.
• Basic radiation protection principles to try to keep dose as low as reasonably achievable.

• Image Gently campaign is devoted to educating and providing the public with information on the importance of reducing radiation mainly towards CT and children
• Example: In the case of children, their cells are continually dividing and growing at such a rapid pase, they are more susceptible to cell damange from radiation.
• Automatic exposure control settings have been implemented to many scanners which this can help reduce dose.
• Setting protocols and safeguards on CT scanner.
• Require tracking of the radiation dose levels which should be recorded both on the CT scanner and the patient's medical records.

References:

Patients profess more confidence in exams that include imaging. (2011). RT-image.

Retrieved from http://www.rt-image.com

Dargan, R.S. (2010). Does overexposure get too much exposure in the media. ASRT

            Scanner,46 (6),44-47.

Barnes, E. (2010).  Calif. legislature passes radiation protection bill. Retrieved from

http://www.auntminnie.com/index.aspx?sec=sup&sub=cto&pag=dis&ItemID=91817&wf=1