CT scan use rising, more kids exposed to ionizing radiation

CT scan use rising, more kids exposed to ionizing radiation

CT scans are being used on more and more children in the United States and this trend has concerned some health experts about the effects of radiation on this patient population.

Repeated exposure to ionizing radiation emitted by CT scans can increase the risk of developing cancer.

A study published this week in the journal Radiology said that in 1995 there were 330,000 children who were given CT scans in emergency departments of U.S. hospitals. But by 2008, the number has ballooned to 1.65 million.

While specialized hospitals adjust the radiation dose for younger patients, general hospitals usually do not apply special CT scan protocols for children which can be subjected to adult-sized radiation doses.

The authors led by Dr. David Larson of the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center said that their work "underscores the need for special attention to this vulnerable population to ensure that imaging is appropriately ordered, performed and interpreted."

Growing numbers of scanning may be because modern CT scans allow images to be taken much quicker. But it may also be due to overuse by some physicians who order this kind of test for fear of facing a lawsuit.

"If you send a kid home (without a CT scan) and it turns out you missed an abnormality, not many juries are going to be sympathetic," Dr. Larson added.

Modern health care technology has allowed clinicians to diagnose a condition quicker and better. Parents are getting the impression that all tests on their loved ones should be done just to make sure.

The findings suggest that we may have to step back and consider the potential effects of CT scan tests and have them done only when absolutely necessary to reduce risks.

Posted by George Daniels on Sunday April 10 2011, 1:27 AM EST. Ref: AP. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, Health. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0