Duke Expert: What Parents Should Ask Before Their Kids’ X-Rays, CT Scans

Contact: Samiha KhannaPhone: 919-419-5069Email: samiha.khanna@duke.eduhttps://www.dukehealth.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE on APRIL 26, 2016 DURHAM, N.C. -- Whether a child is complaining of intense stomach pain or has a head injury after a car crash, doctors may recommend a computed tomography, or CT scan, to investigate possible injuries. CT scans use ionizing radiation to create images of bones, organs, blood vessels and other soft tissues. The technology is widely available, provides quick and detailed results, and its use is growing worldwide, according to a recent report from the World Health Organization. With increased use, radiologists and other experts -- including Donald Frush, M.D., medical director of the Duke Medical Radiation Center and a co-author of the WHO report -- are urging awareness and accountability around medical scans for children. Their goal is to ensure patients and their caregivers are informed about how the tests are used, how radiation plays a role, strategies to manage exposure, and what scientists know about potential risks. “The public and patients have become increasingly aware of the use of all types of radiation, not just from cell phones and microwave ovens, but also ionizing radiation, which is used in diagnostic medical imaging, such as CT scans and x-ray studies,” Frush said. “Ionizing radiation in very high doses can have effects such as hair loss and skin redness.” Frush, who also serves as chairman of the Image Gently Alliance, ...
Source: DukeHealth.org: Duke Health Features - Category: Pediatrics Tags: Duke Medicine Source Type: news