Recently there have been multiple articles in the media discussing concerns about radiation used in modern imaging services, such as CT and PET-CT scans.

At Seattle Radiologists, we have long been a leader in maximizing radiation safety and minimizing exposure to ensure patient safety. While the benefits of the radiation used in medical imaging typically outweigh the risks, the amount of radiation should always be minimized. The necessity for the exam is determined by your symptoms and your referring physician.

Some of the ways we work to ensure your safety include:

• Full accreditation from the American College of Radiology – this means thorough testing has been performed to ensure equipment is functioning optimally for your safety and high-quality images.
• We utilize ASiR technology, a software solution that can reduce the radiation used in CT scanning by up to 40 percent over traditional CT scans.
• We use Smart MA, one of the leading CT exposure control methodologies designed to minimize the radiation exposure during the exam. This system calculates your body mass and adjusts the radiation dose accordingly.
• Our technologists are nationally registered and are thoroughly trained in radiation safety and exposure.
• We use only the minimum amount of radiation needed to obtain clear images for your diagnosis.

Ways to protect yourself include:

• Inform your technologist of any other CT or PET-CT scans you have had recently, particularly if it was performed at another facility.
• If you get scans at another facility, be sure to ask if their equipment is ACR-accredited and be sure to ask if they use an automatic exposure control system.
• If you have any other questions, be sure to ask our technologists!

For more information on the radiation used in medical imaging, visit the American Association of Physicists in Medicine at www.aapm.org.