Promoting Radiation Safety Protocols in Computed Tomography.

In recent years, use of computed tomography (CT) has increased dramatically. Increased dose from radiography, and CT in particular, has led many physicians and patients to question the cancer risks and overall safety of modern imaging. It is essential for radiologic technologists to be properly trained and certified in CT and to understand technical factors and how they are related to radiation dose and image quality. Keeping radiation doses as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) and maintaining clear communication with the patient is essential to produce quality images and reduce radiation exposure. In addition, physicians must receive proper training in radiation safety to follow through on their promise to “do no harm.” The health care team has the opportunity and responsibility to improve the lives of patients, which includes eliminating unnecessary radiation dose. CT has changed the way health care is delivered over the past 40 years. The need for exploratory surgery has been dramatically reduced and countless lives have been saved because of information gained from CT scans. Quick image acquisition using CT has allowed doctors to discover life-threatening conditions in a matter of seconds. It is an invaluable tool that has improved the lives of thousands of patients. However, many consider this technology to be a double-edged sword; in recent years some have raised concerns that CT is being overused. In busy emergency departments, CT is the modality of choice, even when ultrasonography or a magnetic resonance scan might be more suitable and safer for the patient.