Radiation Information
RADIATION SAFETY
INTRODUCTION
All staff at Gold Coast Medical Imaging are committed to reducing radiation dose for all examinations to the minimally required for accurate diagnosis.
X-rays (but not MRI and ultrasound) need ionising radiation which can increase the chance of cancer or damage population in genes.
Reducing the risk from radiation involves two steps.
Step 1: Is the test appropriate for your clinical problem? In short, can the questions posed by your doctor be answered by an x ray test and will the test result change your Doctors treatment plan?
Some tests have a higher radiation risk than others. Hence for CT, mammography, pregnant women and children it is important that the x ray tests are used carefully.
Step 2: When a test is known to be appropriate, it should be performed in the best technical way to limit the amount of radiation. Our staff are experienced in reducing radiation dose. All females having CT will have special shielding for breasts, to reduce the radiation to the breast.
HOW BIG IS THE RISK?
The risk of malignancy/cancer from ionising radiation varies with the dose of radiation and the age of the patient. Women who may be pregnant and children are the group at highest risk.
Of the tests available, angiography, mammography and CT derive the most significant radiation dose.
A summary of general radiation risk is available at;
www.insideradiology.com.au/
THE RISKS IN CHILDREN
The risks of radiation in children are higher than adults. A summary of the risk for children has been developed by the American Federal Drug Agency (FDA) with particular reference to the use of computer tomography. This article is available at the following link:
www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm048578.htm
Further information on the risks of radiation in children can be found at the following links:
www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/AlertsandNotices/PublicHealthNotifications/ucm062185.htm
www.topradiology.com/consent/paediatric_ct.pdf
www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/causes/radiation-risks-pediatric-CT
MAMMOGRAPHY
Breast tissue is sensitive to radiation and mammogram should be judiciously used as part of a national screening program in the appropriate age group or to solve important clinical problems.
Ultrasound can solve some breast imaging problems, but unfortunately does not replace mammography. MRI is a very useful alternative to mammography since it is non radiation modality.
PREGNANCY
The foetus is more sensitive to radiation hence radiation is best miminised in pregnancy where this is possible after considering carefully the need for imaging. A summary of risks is available at:
www.perinatology.com/exposures/Physical/Xray.htm
Further information can be found at:
www.ranzcr.edu.au/documents/download.cfm/Diagnostic_Radiology_and_Pregnancy.pdf
SUMMARY
In partnership with your doctor, Gold Coast Medical Imaging aims to advise you on the best test for your clinical problem and to perform this test with the least possible radiation.
If you have any questions about the test you are having or the radiation, please discuss with your doctor or with any of our staff before, during or after your visit to Gold Coast Medical Imaging.
Other Information
In addition to the information above, the following links provide further information on radiation dosage etc, which may be useful:
www.ranzcr.edu.au/newsandevents/mediareleases/download/Position%20Statement%20re%20Radiation%20Concerns%20and%20Appropriate%20Imaging%209%2009.pdf
www.arpansa.gov.au/radiationprotection/FactSheets/is_rad.cfm
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