Question

What are some of the risks that are associated with Diagnostic Images (X-rays, MRI, CT ie..)? How has diagnostic imaging and processing changed to minimize or decrease the risks to patients?

Answer 1

All kind of Diagnostic images like X-rays, MRI or CT uses certain radiation to produce the image. These radiations are sometime strong enough to alter our DNA. Cases in the past even suggests that people who were over exposed to X-rays in the past were diagnosed with cancer in the later stages of their life. Another risk involved if a benign (not even threatening) is observed during the scan, some more unimportant follow up tests could be prescribed by the doctor which further increases the risk.

Many measures and methods are being used to reduce the exposure of patients to radiation during Diagnostic images. A new concept to minimize exposure to radiation has been introduced by world's best radiologists. The time of exposure has also been reduced significantly. It has also been found that distance can play a major role in reducing the radiation exposure, hence new devices are being used which give better quality images than the conventional one as well as reduces the overall exposure to a considerable extent.