At South Jersey Radiology Associates (SJRA), certain diagnostic imaging studies utilize small doses of radiation to capture high quality images. Here are the studies that utilize some form of radiation:
There are no regulatory limits on the cumulative amount of radiation a patient may receive from medical diagnostic X-ray studies. The physician is the individual who determines what is medically necessary diagnostic testing based on clinical decisions. However, it is important to be aware of diagnostic testing that utilizes radiation. You can work with your physician to make informed decisions about radiation exposure. Here are the typical radiation doses used:
ALARA is an acronym for “As Low As Reasonably Achievable” as it pertains to radiation exposure. ALARA encompasses the use of safety techniques such as limiting the scan area to the region of interest, adjusting the technique according to body size and using lead to shield patients. The Image Gently campaign is an initiative of the Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging focused on increasing awareness and seeking lower radiation doses when imaging children. The Image Wisely campaign is a campaign to increase physician, patient, and imaging technologist collaboration for increasing awareness and lowering radiation dose to all populations.