Exceptional Experiences at Community Health Network

The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) stated that in 2006 Americans were exposed to seven times the medical radiation than they had been 25 years before, largely due to higher utilization of CT. Reports in the medical literature and popular press are generally revising upward the risks associated with medical levels of radiation exposure.

Parents of pediatric patients may become concerned and seek clarification and further information if you recommend an imaging study that uses radiation. What can you tell them?

While the total number of CT scans has grown, the average radiation dose per exam has actually fallen by a factor of 2 to 3 since the early 1980s. The Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging has formulated a campaign and pledge known as “Image Gently”. Community Health Network and its partners have signed that pledge, and adhere to specific reduced dose scan protocols tailored for the body habitus of the child, in addition to using special shielding techniques.

Encourage parents to understand both the risk and the benefit of a CT. The risk from a single CT scan is believed to be very low but uncertain.  A CT scan of the chest or abdomen equals an amount of radiation equal to three years of that received from background sources. A chest x-ray equals about 10 days of background, and an extremity x-ray is about one day of background.

The American College of Radiology has collected and analyzed data to periodically publish appropriateness criteria for imaging decisions. The CHN radiologist is always ready to consult with referring physicians to determine which imaging exam is most appropriate to deliver the needed information. They can be reached at 317-621-5369.

Visit the Image Gently website (www.imagegently.org), download and make available the information brochure “What Parents Should Know about Medical Radiation Safety” and encourage them to keep a record of imaging studies to avoid unnecessary repeated studies. Finally, use the resources available to you within the Community Health Network; the radiologist and medical physicist.