Computed Tomography Pros And Cons

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The conversation surrounding shielding use with Computed Tomography is an ongoing discourse. Different thoughts surround the pros and the cons of using different types of shielding. CT is an essential part of diagnostic imaging. When used correctly, CT can reduce the necessity for more invasive procedures and improve diagnosis and treatment.
The number of CTs preformed is on the rise. In 1980, we performed around 3 million scans and by 2005 that number had increased to 60 million (Bell, 2016). More scans means more attention to the dose received by patients. However, in 2007 a survey found that 91% of ER doctors “significantly underestimated radiation dose from CT scans” (Bell, 2016, p. 344-5). This dose is in the range of 100-1000 times more than a traditional x-ray(Bell, 2016, p. 345). As the number of CTs performed increases attention should be placed on how to reduce exposure. …show more content…
However, CT scans provide unique challenges in shielding. Traditional diagnostic imaging uses one directional beam that goes into the patient one direction and exits out the other side. Placing any shielding between the patient and the source of the bean directly limits the beam from reaching the patient. CT scans are rotational, meaning the beam enters and exits from multiple points on the patient. This means that any shielding needs to be applied around the patient to take this into consideration. Lead shielding does work to reduce dose. One study found that a thyroid collar used in a head CT reduced the dose to the thyroid gland by 23% (0.19 mSv) and a testis capsule used during an abdomen CT reduced testis dose by 95% (1.39 mSv) (Hidajat,
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