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Questions to ask before every CT Scan

Questions to ask before every CT Scan
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Q:
Questions to ask before every CT Scan

What other questions do parents need to pose to doctors to ensure that their child is receiving a safe and necessary CT Scan?

A:

Dr. Greene’s Answer:

CT’s are wonderful, lifesaving technology, but as with antibiotics, it is wise to ask if there is a safe way to diagnose the situation without a CT. If a CT is recommended, it is wise to ask that a child-appropriate level of radiation be used, to cut the radiation risk in half.

  • Is a CT scan the best examination for my child?
  • How will the CT scan be adjusted based on my child’s size?
  • Will a radiologist be involved in my child’s CT scan?

 

Some radiologists practice ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) – a commitment to using the lowest dose of radiation that will do the job well).

Read More From This Series:
CT Scan Defined
CT Scan, Ultrasound or MRI?
CT Scan Safety
CT Scans and Radiation Exposure
CT Scan Risks
Higher Risks in Children
Who Should Receive a CT Scan?
X-Ray or a CT Scan?
Alternatives to a CT Scan
When Should a CT Scan be Performed?
Important Tip to Reduce to Radiation
Questions to Ask before Every CT Scan
Other Radiation Exposures
Measures That Radiologists Should Adhere to When Administering a CT Scan
CT Scans and Cancer
When are MRIs not Practical?
What is Ionizing Radiation?
Who are Radiologists?

Reviewed by: Khahn-van Le-Bucklin, Liat Simkhay Snyder
Last reviewed: February 14, 2008
Dr. Alan Greene

Article written by

Dr. Greene is the founder of DrGreene.com (sited by the AMA as “the pioneer physician Web site”), a practicing pediatrician, the father of four, & the author of Raising Baby Green & Feeding Baby Green. He appears frequently in the media including such venues as the The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the TODAY Show, Good Morning America, & the Dr. Oz Show.

 

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