Chest CT scan, and radiation dose optimization

September 1st, 2011 |

Author: Aaron

Age, sex, size of the patient, their medical condition, and relevant dosage are some of factors for radiation dose optimization: study

Chest CT scan

A chest computed tomography allows for precise images of chest structures, viz. lungs and related; in comparison to standard chest x-ray imaging, a chest CT scan is more feasible for more detailed images. (Courtesy: Journal of the American College of Radiology)

Through with a chest CT scan – shape, position and size of lungs and other structures can be visualized, for any irregularities in the chest; a chest CT is common for chest related issues: pain in the chest, dyspnea, cough etc.

Since the technology uses ionizing radiation, dose optimization in chest CT scan requires to be analyzed over, for the patients; asymptomatic patients should be kept away from an unneeded CT scan, considering their medical condition.

Age-sex-size of the patient, their medical condition, relevant dosage – all need to be ascertained, as are vital while a patient is being examined over.

Inappropriate radiation during a chest CT can possibly harm lungs, breasts and other organs; in comparison to adults, pediatric cases are suggested to be given less radiation, during a chest CT, to keep them on the safer side.

Restriction of scan length is even recommended by medical researchers; lowered tube current/voltage for thin patients, mechanical exposure control and related were considered the relevant scan parameters for to bring down radiation dose for chest computed tomography in pediatric patients.

Posted in CT, Radiology |

Tags: Chest CT Scan, CT Scan of Chest, Radiation Dose Optimization

Anonymous

On a very rear occation we have observed some patient hesitating to get a CT scan just because they have been miss informed about the after effect of radiation in any CT scan.
Patients, should be informed well ahead about the benefit and possible danger of a highier dossage radiation optimization. This may also make the patient confide in the care giver if he/she had some condition or had undergone some previous unreported scaning/x-rays. The variation in the patient physic/age and stucture can not be over emphasised. Great caution is needed when dealing with patients that present no symptoms (asymptomatic patients); this is because scanning/x-ray can aggravate any passive alement the patient may have before diagnosing it’s remendies.
However, patients should not be irked about the danger of a scan so as not to get one if it need be, but should remain possitive in their minds of the gains the emanates from such treatment as the benefit tend to out-weigh these fears we conceive.

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Chest CT scan, and radiation dose optimization