Undergoing a CT scan can understandably make some people feel anxious. You may already be concerned about your health and the results of the test, and then start wondering about the potential risks of the scan itself. While it’s always important to discuss your concerns with Southwest Diagnostic Center for Molecular Imaging, understanding a little more about radiation and CT scans may help you feel more comfortable.
How Does a CT Scan Work?
A computed tomography, or CT, scan uses a rotating x-ray beam to create detailed images of the inside of the body. While a traditional x-ray produces a single image, a CT scanner uses a motorized system that moves around the patient while they lie on a table.
As the x-ray beams pass through the body, detectors collect the information and send it to a computer, which processes it into detailed images.
CT scans can be used to diagnose and evaluate many different conditions, including cancer, blood clots, and other medical concerns. They can also provide images of very specific areas of the body.
What Are the Potential Risks?
CT scans do involve exposure to radiation, which can affect living tissue. However, the amount of radiation used during medical imaging is carefully monitored. In addition to radiation exposure, another potential concern is a false-positive result, which could lead to unnecessary follow-up testing. This is uncommon, and your doctor will carefully evaluate whether a CT scan is appropriate and how the results should be interpreted.
Radiation Dosage
A CT scan exposes the body to a relatively small amount of radiation. The amount varies depending on the patient and the part of the body being examined. Radiation exposure is often discussed using an “effective dose,” which estimates the potential radiation risk to different organs.
For example, a head CT may have an effective dose of approximately two, while an abdominal CT may have an effective dose of approximately eight.
Doctors generally use the lowest radiation dose necessary to obtain useful images and typically recommend CT scans only when they are medically appropriate. As a result, the radiation exposure from an individual CT scan is generally considered a low risk when the benefits of the examination outweigh the potential risks.
Other Factors to Consider
Potential risks can vary depending on the patient and may involve factors beyond radiation exposure. For instance, some contrast agents used during CT scans can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. Be sure to discuss any concerns, allergies, or other relevant information with Southwest Diagnostic Center for Molecular Imaging before your scan.
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, let your healthcare provider know before undergoing a CT scan. In some situations, CT imaging may be avoided when possible, particularly when the abdomen or pelvis is being examined. Depending on the circumstances, an MRI or ultrasound may be considered as an alternative.
Having multiple CT scans within a short period or undergoing repeated CT imaging from a young age may increase cumulative radiation exposure and potentially increase the associated cancer risk. However, the amount of radiation from medical CT scans is generally low, and your doctor will consider the potential benefits and risks before recommending the examination.
If you have questions or concerns about an upcoming CT scan, contact Southwest Diagnostic Center for Molecular Imaging . We’re happy to address your questions and help you feel more comfortable about your procedure!