Patients Who Get CT Scans also Get Unnecessary Extra Imaging Tests

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin in Madison that over 50% of patients who get abdominal or pelvic CT scans are asked to take other imaging tests which expose them to unwanted radiation.

The study examined 978 CT abdominal and pelvic scan series in over 500 patients with an age group ranging from 9 months to 91 years. They concluded that as per American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria, some 35% of the scans were unnecessary.

"It is the responsibility of all physicians who work with ionizing radiation to ensure that the dosage is as low as reasonably achievable without compromising the patient's well being," said researcher Dr. Kristie Guite. "Our study found that this principle is not being followed in many practices."

The details of the study were described at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America in Chicago.


Source-Medindia
RAS