Re: Children may get too much radiation in CT scan

["Leo M. Lowe" <llowe@senes.on.ca>]

While I no data on hand specific to CT (computed tomography) scans of
children, there have been a number of papers calling for the possible need
to reduce CT doses and/or CT use, especially since CT scans now contribute
about 20-30% of the total radiation load from medical uses of ionizing
radiation (at least in the U.K. - Brit. Med. J. 320:593-594, 4 Mar. 2000). 
 
Considering that the doses from a single CT scan are in the order of 5 to
10 mSv (and in some cases as high as 30 mSv), and that some long-term
follow-up diagnostic surveys require 20 or more scans, one can see why the
possible use of alternative examinations (e.g. ultrasound, MRI) is at least
being suggested.  CT scans are also relatively costly. (Apparently,
elevated skin surface doses are an issue in some procedures. The NCRP
looked at the issue of induced health effects from high dose diagnostic
procedures at their 1999 annual meeting.)

It's all a matter of risk (including cost) versus benefit.


Leo M. Lowe,
llowe@senes.on.ca

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