40% of Hospitals Do Not Routinely Utilize CT Shielding

CT scan images allow the doctor to look at the inside of the body just as one would look at the inside of a loaf of bread by slicing it.

Radiation exposure during diagnostic imaging such as computed tomography (CT) contributes to a small, but potentially preventable percentage of cancers, yet a new study reports that 40% of hospitals surveyed do not routinely utilize CT shielding.

Hip Fracture Treatment: CT Scans to Detect Frailty and Predict Survival
Computed Tomography (CT scans) could help to detect frailty and predict survival of hip fractures in the elderly, finds a new study.

‘CT has revolutionized medicine because it allows doctors to see diseases that, in the past, could often only be found at surgery or at autopsy.’

Tweet it Now

Overall, 99% of the hospitals were aware that shielding can safeguard patients and 84% believed it to be beneficial, so why isn't it being used more routinely -- a topic explored in the study published in Journal of Endourology, a peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The article is available free on the Journal of Endourology website until December 21, 2017.

The article entitled "Prevalence of Protective Shielding Utilization for Radiation Dose Reduction in Adult Patients Undergoing Body Scanning Using Computed Tomography" was coauthored by Jaime Landman, MD and colleagues from University of California, Irvine. In their survey of hospital shielding practices during CT imaging, the researchers focused on the protection of four radiosensitive organs: eyes, thyroid, breasts, and gonads.

Source-Eurekalert

Pediatric Brain Tumors : PET/CT Scans Helps Predict Therapy Effectiveness
PET/CT scans may help to predict the effectiveness of therapy in pediatric brain tumors, reveals study.

Nonsolid Nodules Could Be Followed With Annual CT Scans
Nonsolid nodules are usually asymptomatic growths in the lungs. They are rarely life-threatening and surgery is one treatment option.

Ionizing Radiation from CT Scans May Pose Health Risks for Children
CT scans are extremely helpful and of high value in caring for children, providing information to make informed decisions about treatment options.