Recent medical publications and related news coverage have stirred public concern about radiation exposure associated with medical imaging.
Subsequently, there has been an outcry for more regulation and monitoring of medical imaging procedures. A recent online article in the New England Journal of Medicine, for example, called for FDA regulation of computed tomography (CT) scans along with better reporting and tracking of radiation dose.
Concerns about medical imaging radiation exposure are legitimate, but it should be kept in mind that when used properly, the diagnostic benefits of imaging exams greatly outweigh the potential risks.
Medical imaging exams literally save hundreds of lives daily in emergency situations, increase life expectancy through timely and specific diagnosis, and – as is particularly the case with minimally invasive, image-guided interventional procedures and treatments – can be less expensive and safer when compared to the invasive procedures they replace.
In addition, patient radiation exposure during diagnosis or guidance for interventional procedures has in general decreased over time due to advances in imaging technique and technology. For example, new CT scanning technology with more tailored imaging protocols has allowed CT radiation dose to be dramatically reduced without affecting image quality.
While we applaud efforts to more closely monitor and track radiation dose, patients should be aware that limiting radiation exposure from medical imaging procedures ultimately relies on the experience, capabilities, equipment and expertise of the imaging center and staff performing the screening and diagnostic tests.
Consequently, the same test performed on the same patient in two different facilities can expose the patient to very different radiation doses – even when the same type of equipment is used.
At Invision Sally Jobe, an American College of Radiology (ACR) accredited outpatient imaging network, we care about the people and patients in the communities we serve, and are committed to achieving the highest quality diagnostic images while minimizing radiation exposure.
This commitment is exemplified in our exclusive IRIS(tm) (Image Responsibly, Image Safely) program, several components of which have been in effect for more than six years. IRIS adheres to strict monitoring of diagnostic imaging procedures.
As with the IRIS policy, we at Invision Sally Jobe believe that any imaging exam involving radiation exposure should adhere to the long-standing ALARA guideline, which literally translates as keeping radiation dose “As Low As Reasonably Achievable” while still allowing us to provide high-quality and accurate diagnostic imaging.
We are also a proud supporter of the Image Gently(tm) program for pediatric imaging, and we specifically adhere to the ACR standards for accreditation in computed tomography.
As one of the longest-running, free-standing outpatient imaging networks in the Denver area, we offer patients a team of CT technologists with over 120 years of combined experience in performing CT scans. These experienced technologists work with CT scanners at Invision Sally Jobe that are surveyed annually by a certified medical physicist for radiation output measurements and image quality. These technologists also work with a team of subspecialized board-certified radiologists trained in radiation physics.
Patients can take the responsibility to ensure that their personal imaging is done safely and properly. To do this, it is reasonable to ask caretakers the reason for any exam being recommended, how it will be used to alter treatment, if there is an alternative diagnostic study that does not involve radiation, and whether the imaging facility they are being referred to is accredited by the ACR, like Invision Sally Jobe is. An ACR-accredited facility demonstrates high standards for performing studies properly and safely.
As medical technology continues to advance and improve, we look forward to setting the highest standards possible and encourage other health care facilities to join us in our efforts to make diagnostic imaging one of the safest and most valuable medical technologies available to Americans today.
Mark Dennis, M.D., is chief radiation safety officer for Invision Sally Jobe in Englewood. EDITOR’S NOTE: This is an online-only column and has not been edited.
