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Show: October 11, 2009:
- The Human Toxome Project
- Doc Chat: Advances in Breast Cancer Research
- High Radiation Levels in Imaging Tests
- College Athletes at Risk for Novel H1N1
- Doc Chat: Similarities in Patients Hospitalized With H1N1
- Eat Out and Eat Healthy
- Burnout in Primary Care Doctors
- Eric Metcalf on Home Remedies
- View all topics for the week
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Did You Know?: High Radiation Levels in Imaging Tests
Host: Jeremy Shere, PhD
Did you know that imaging tests like CT-scans may expose you to dangerous amounts of radiation?
Imaging tests such as CT scans and nuclear imaging are valuable tools in the modern medical arsenal. Used wisely, imaging technology can help doctors diagnose disease in its earliest stages.
But according to a recent study, such tests come with a cost -- namely: radiation.
When you undergo nuclear imaging or have a CT scan, there's a decent chance you're being exposed to high and even dangerous levels of radiation.
An earlier study, done in 2007, found that up to two percent of cancer diagnoses in the U.S. are caused by radiation exposure during CT imaging.
Some imaging tests are clearly beneficial, despite the risks. But in some cases, the risk of radiation exposure may outweigh the potential benefits.
And now you know.
Additional Resources:
- Get details about imaging tests and radiation exposure.
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