Diagnostic Procedures Involving Radiation – Should We Really Be Concerned About Medical Examinations?

During medical diagnostic procedures, patients are exposed to various ionizing radiations, which can evoke unwarranted fears in many individuals. X-rays, CT scans, or isotope examinations, which involve radiation exposure, are generally safe when appropriate protocols are followed. However, it is worth understanding that these procedures are planned and controlled, so the effects of radiation can be well defined, and the risk can be considered significantly lower compared to unexpected radiation accidents.

Sources of medical radiation exposure include diagnostic X-rays, isotope diagnostic examinations, and radiotherapy, which can be conducted with external or internal sources. These procedures are strictly regulated, which reduces the likelihood of accidents. Radiation accidents, which can most commonly occur during radiation treatments, are very rare, and during diagnostic examinations, they can be virtually excluded by adhering to proper procedures.

Radiation Exposure in Medical Diagnostic Procedures

X-rays are classified as ionizing radiation, which is unavoidable in most diagnostic procedures. In addition to well-known X-ray examinations, this category includes mammography, lung screenings, densitometry, and various special X-ray examinations. Medical diagnostic radiation exposure can arise not only from X-ray examinations but also from isotope diagnostic tests, such as thyroid isotope scans and bone scintigraphy.

During combined PET/CT examinations, patients receive radioactive radiation as well as X-rays, allowing for the simultaneous display of both types of examinations. It’s important to mention that non-ionizing radiation, such as high-frequency sounds or low-energy electromagnetic radiation, does not involve radiation exposure, as they operate on different principles.

The level of radiation exposure is generally low; most examinations involve a radiation dose of less than 1 mSv (millisievert) for the patient. For X-ray examinations, typically one or two images are taken, while CT scans take longer, which is why stricter regulations apply. Radiation may affect a limited part of the body, and sensitive tissues, such as the reproductive organs and eyes, should be protected with shielding.

Radiation Exposure Levels During Different Examinations

The measured radiation doses during various medical examinations can vary. For instance, the average absorbed dose during a mammography examination is below 1 mSv, while dental X-rays range from only 0.001 mSv to 0.025 mSv. CT scans, which generally involve higher radiation doses, average about 2-3 mSv for a head CT, while a chest CT is approximately 8 mSv.

The highest radiation dose is given by PET/CT examinations, which can be as much as 22.7 mSv. During isotope examinations, the dose value can vary between 0.5-5 mSv, depending on the organ being examined. It is worth noting that the human body can tolerate a certain amount of radiation without suffering damage, as natural background radiation can also reach 2-3 mSv per year.

It is noteworthy that the continuous development of modern imaging technologies allows for a reduction in radiation doses, and the use of the latest equipment can reduce radiation levels by half compared to previous decades.

Special Situations and Radiation Accidents

For pregnant women, examinations involving radioactive materials are strictly regulated and can only be performed when justified. Pregnant women or young children can meet with others without restrictions after the radioactive material has been eliminated, which takes about a day following a PET-CT examination. Sensitivity to radiation is generally higher in young children and women, which necessitates special attention for them.

Radiation accidents are events that occur unexpectedly and involve unplanned releases of radioactive energy. These can result in radioactive materials entering the environment and potentially entering the human body. The degree of risk from radiation depends on the age of the individual at the time of the accident, as younger organisms may be more sensitive to the effects of radiation.

It is crucial to emphasize that the amount of radiation used in medical diagnostic examinations is always justified, considering the health status of the patients and the necessity of the examination, and the potential benefits generally outweigh the risks. Adhering to radiation safety regulations is essential for safe medical practice.