Fwd: Re: Pregnancy Test Advised Prior to Radiation Exposure

[Chris Alston <alstonc@ODRGE.ODR.GEORGETOWN.EDU>]

>From: "Blechinger, Joseph C. Phd" <Josephb@RAD.HFH.EDU>

>

>The original article describes the doses as "mean radiation exposure to the

>fetus during initial trauma resuscitation." The patients were apparently

>referred for routine head, abdomen and pelvis CT, no further details are

>given. The fetal doses were calculated by an unnamed radiation physicist.

>

>The authors state that quick pregnancy testing may promote a reduction in

>fetal radiation dose and that abdominal shielding should be used. There is

>no discussion of missed diagnosis due to inadequate technique.

>

>

>The ACOG "Guideline 1:

>Women should be counseled that X-ray exposure from a single diagnostic

>procedure does not result in harmful fetal effects. Specifically, exposure

>to less than 5 rad has not been associated with an increase in fetal

>anomalies or pregnancy loss."

>

>  I did not read "maximum limit" anywhere in the ACOG committee opinion.

>Int. J Gynecol Obstet 1995;51:288-291

>

>Joseph Blechinger, Ph.D.

>Diagnostic Radiology

>Henry Ford Hospital

>Detroit, Michigan

>josephb@rad.hfh.edu





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