Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Are The Possible Radiation Risks After A CAT Scan?
Question: how much radiation do I get everytime I have a cat scan or an xray done? please be as detailed as possible and as thorough as possible with your answer thank you very much
Brief Answer:
Amount of radiation varies with organ.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
X-ray and CT scan uses ionizing radiation but is generally safe for the patients.It is generally well below the maximum allowable safe dose for patient.
Amount of radiation deliver to patient varies with organ for which imaging is done like X-ray of L/S spine causes maximum radiation during x-ray.It depend upon voltage and milliampere used during taking X-rays.
For L/S spine,we have to use large voltage and current for better resolution.
Chest X-ray may deliver 0.1 mSv where as spine X-ray may deliver 1.5 mSv radiation.
CT exposure also varies with organ like CT scan of abdomen causes heavy exposure as compared to CT scan of brain.
CT brain may deliver 2.0 mSv whereas CT abdomen may deliver 8.0 mSV radiation.
Now a days CT scan uses spiral technology and it delivers very less radiation as compared to previous one.
If you want to know about specific organ,please mention it.I shall try to answer it.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Amount of radiation varies with organ.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
X-ray and CT scan uses ionizing radiation but is generally safe for the patients.It is generally well below the maximum allowable safe dose for patient.
Amount of radiation deliver to patient varies with organ for which imaging is done like X-ray of L/S spine causes maximum radiation during x-ray.It depend upon voltage and milliampere used during taking X-rays.
For L/S spine,we have to use large voltage and current for better resolution.
Chest X-ray may deliver 0.1 mSv where as spine X-ray may deliver 1.5 mSv radiation.
CT exposure also varies with organ like CT scan of abdomen causes heavy exposure as compared to CT scan of brain.
CT brain may deliver 2.0 mSv whereas CT abdomen may deliver 8.0 mSV radiation.
Now a days CT scan uses spiral technology and it delivers very less radiation as compared to previous one.
If you want to know about specific organ,please mention it.I shall try to answer it.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I'm reffering to a brain CT to see if there is ventricle enlargement due to the fact that I have hydrocephalus and I have a shunt so the neurosurgeon orders a cat scan everytime I go into the emergency room
Brief Answer:
You may go for MRI scan.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
CT scan is needed as a part of follow up.
Though CT brain radiation is far below the maximum allowable safe dose but it is better to avoid repeated scan in short interval.
After shunt operation,ventricles get decompressed and there is almost no chance of repeat accumulation.So,it is better to avoid CT scan.
You may go for MRI scan as it is safe and there is no radiation hazard in MRI.
Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
You may go for MRI scan.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
CT scan is needed as a part of follow up.
Though CT brain radiation is far below the maximum allowable safe dose but it is better to avoid repeated scan in short interval.
After shunt operation,ventricles get decompressed and there is almost no chance of repeat accumulation.So,it is better to avoid CT scan.
You may go for MRI scan as it is safe and there is no radiation hazard in MRI.
Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
most neurosurgery doctors won't order an M.R.I without admission due to the shunt being programmable with a magnet.... they would have to re-program my shunt but still trying to understand why?
Brief Answer:
Now a days,MRI compatible substances like titanium is used.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Now a days,MRI compatible substances like titanium is used and this doesn't interfere with magnet.
Patency of shunt should be evaluated in your case,it need assessment by a neuro-surgeon.
CT may be ordered as it take less time as compared to MRI.
Even multiple CT scan is not expected to cause radiation hazard.I presume lead apron is used every time for shielding thorax,abdomen and genitalia.
Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Now a days,MRI compatible substances like titanium is used.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Now a days,MRI compatible substances like titanium is used and this doesn't interfere with magnet.
Patency of shunt should be evaluated in your case,it need assessment by a neuro-surgeon.
CT may be ordered as it take less time as compared to MRI.
Even multiple CT scan is not expected to cause radiation hazard.I presume lead apron is used every time for shielding thorax,abdomen and genitalia.
Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
