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What are the effects of diagnostic radiation exposure in a human body?
Query: Hi doctor, I just had a CTA of the brain and neck. So I had multidetector volumetric CT acquisition of head from skull base to the vertex, which produced axial, coronal, and sagittal images. The intravenous multidetector CT angiography of the aortic arch to vertex was obtained. I was in the CT scan... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Thanks for your query, and I hope you are doing well. A CT (computed tomography) angiogram of the head and neck is a lengthy procedure as we have to plan the pre and post-contrast sequences from upper chest to vertex. Usually, the radiation dose is 6 to 10 mSv (mSv is m... Read Full »
Can radiations from PET and CT scan affect other family members?
Query: Hello doctor, Over two years ago my eldest son was diagnosed with lymphoma. He had PET scans and CT scans. These started at the end of my last pregnancy and went on while my son was a newborn and infant. I do not remember him holding the baby, but he came home from scans and was around him. They... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have read through your query in detail. Please find my observations below. Your baby is totally safe. There is radiation risk only when doing PET and CT scans. The risk is only to the patient, which means your eldest son in your case. Your newborn was never expo... Read Full »
I am pregnant. Will getting a CT scan harm my baby?
Query: Hi doctor, I am a 29 year old female, and I was hospitalized for a week due to UTI. As a part of it, a CT scan was taken, which showed that I am completely cured. Then the next day, a blood test showed two weeks pregnancy. I am worried that the CT scan would have an adverse effect on the baby. Could... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have gone through your question, and I understood your concerns. CT scan has strong radiations, and it is known to have adverse effects on the fetus. You should consult a gynecologist and decide further action. Hope you found the answer helpful. Do get back to more f... Read Full »
Am I likely to develop cancer after having multiple CT and MRI scans?
Query: Hi doctor, I am 29 years old. Within six months of having a delivery, I have done a head CT, and three chest CT studies to rule out PE. My first PE study was done with a protective shielding on my chest to reduce the radiation to my breasts. I did not have any shielding on my second study. During my... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. CT of the head might have given you two mSv radiation. CT of the abdomen and pelvis might have given you 14 mSv radiation. CT scan of the chest might have given you 45 mSv radiation. The total radiation dose received approximately is 61 mSv. You might have an additional... Read Full »
What are the alternative tests for TB other than X-ray?
Query: Hello doctor, I am 23 years old female. I had TB during my childhood, but it was already cured. I am planning to work abroad and am worried about my medical tests, if TB has recurred. What test should I take to examine a TB? My concern is that, if I take a chest x-ray this month, and for example, m... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. If you have already been treated for TB ((tuberculosis) in the past and have been declared cured, it is highly unlikely that you will develop active TB again. TB Is treated with symptoms as well, not just X-ray, alone. If multiple chest X-ray... Read Full »
Why is the radiation exposure limit high for hospital workers?
Query: Hello doctor, Why do the NCRP guidelines have the maximum exposure to x-rays radiation for hospital workers higher than the normal public? What does the hospital workers have, that makes them fine to get exposed to more radiations than the public? Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Hospital workers are exposed to small doses of likely leaked radiation. The maximum exposure is based on a cumulative radiation dose limit for hospital workers, and this is a part of professional hazard during work. However, continuous improvement in radiation usage is he... Read Full »
Does the natural radiation level add to cancer risk?
Query: Hello doctor, Does the natural background radiation level (3 mS v per year) add to cancer risk on top of a dose from medical imaging, or is natural radiation separate or safe since we all receive it? Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. One mSv is the limit for the general public. The background is usually within this limit. But radiation workers have a limit of 20 mSv per year, which is also very safe. Also, doses from medical imaging can contribute. But the benefits from medical imaging offset any... Read Full »
How do I calculate radiation dose from three scout scans?
Query: Hello doctor, I had a CT scan of the chest and abdomen. What is odd about this scan is that the technician did three scout scans before the final helical scan, which made me uncomfortable because I do not know how much radiation I received in those scans. When I got the CD, I looked at the dose repo... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have seen the reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity). From calculations, the total radiation dose received by you during the CT scan is likely 10 mSv. Please note that scout images give low dose and three scout images will not significantly increas... Read Full »
Is there a risk of radiation when an HSG test is done twice?
Query: Hi doctor, Three years back, I conceived for the first time without any medicine but unfortunately the pregnancy ended up in miscarriage. Since 8 months I am trying to conceive now. The following year I got a HSG test and was informed that both my fallopian tubes were blocked. Doctor said laparoscop... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I can understand your problem. HSG (Hysterosalpingography) is a good test. It will not only detect the block, but sometimes because of the pressure of the dye being inserted inside, the tubes sometimes open up. So, it actually at times cures the problem as well. There i... Read Full »
I am worried about developing bone cancer. Please help.
Query: Hello doctor, I am 29 years old, and I am worried about bone cancer. I have had two computed tomography (CT) scans for kidney stones around my abdomen area for a total of 7 mSv. I also had a CT scan of my head. I read that radiation can cause bone cancer. Should I be worried? Is it a low dose and no... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. It is true that radiation may cause cancer, but that is one person among one million people. Also, there is no family history of cancer, so not to worry. Eat antioxidants and fruits, exercise daily, and make your mind positive. Read Full »