One of the reasons some patients are apprehensive about getting their CT scans is the radiation exposure. Fortunately, some scanners nowadays use lower radiation doses but are still able to provide a more detailed, accurate image.
For instance, at Catalina Imaging, we manage a fleet of mobile CT scanners from reputable tech companies like Toshiba, GE and Siemens. Not only does our equipment use lower radiation doses, we also have a 24/7 customer service team to answer your inquiries and provide you service emergencies. To learn more about our mobile CT scan rental service, contact us here or call or text us at (844) 949-1664.
Despite the publication of some sensationalized articles about the radiation and cancer risks with medical imaging procedures, health authorities like the American Association of Physicists in Medicine believe that today’s technology uses radiation that is too low that the perceived risks “are barely detectable or even nonexistent.”
In 2005, experts also conducted a study in which they observed DNA repaired themselves after CT scans.
The problem with sensationalistic articles about medical imaging procedures and cancer risks is that it discourages some parents and patients to undergo a much needed CT scan testing, preventing their doctors from diagnosing an internal injury or disease and treating them soon.
While it’s important to only perform medical procedures that are necessary, stoking fear of radiation is not the right way to reduce the number of unnecessary procedures.
It’s important to evaluate objectively the statistical risk of developing cancer caused by radiation versus skipping a medically required CT scan. For instance, one study suggested that for every 1,000 children who do not undergo medically necessary imaging radiation, around 200-250 will die because of lack of proper diagnosis and treatment.
By contrast, the perceived increased risk of cancer over a patient’s lifetime from a single CT scan is almost imperceptible, just a mere 0.03 – 0.05%. In short, a medically necessary CT scan does not represent a direct risk to a patient.
For hospitals and other medical facilities, the first step to reduce the radiation exposure is to partner with a mobile CT scan rental provider like Catalina Imaging that offers the latest medical imaging technology.
These are the other things that can further minimize radiation risk to patients:
With newer CT scanners that use a lower dose of radiation, a medically necessary imaging procedure does pose a very minimal or even a non-existent cancer risk.
In the US, over 80 million CT scans are performed every year, making them one of the most popular medical imaging procedures in the country.
If you want to learn more about low-dose CT scan or you need a reliable CT scan rental provider that can meet your facility’s long-term and temporary needs, Catalina Imaging offers a fleet that’s located in California, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Illinois.
