Allegiance Health Increases Diagnostic Radiation Safety for Our Community
Nov. 28, 2011
Jackson, Mich. — Since the introduction of computed tomography (CT scan) in 1975, diagnostic imaging has changed the way medicine is practiced. Increased sophistication of medical imaging and clinical efficacy has resulted in a dramatic growth in CT use over past 25 years. It is well known that CT scans save lives, however, with its increased use comes a higher potential for tissue damage over time.
Imaging Services at Allegiance Health is committed to providing radiation safety to our patients and staff. Imaging Services is staffed by registered Imaging technologists, specially certified in CT scanning, as well as American Board of Radiology (ABR) certified radiologists. American College of Radiology (ACR) practice guidelines and protocols are incorporated in our processes. For example, Imaging technologists carefully review each CT exam order for its appropriateness, and if necessary, consult with radiologists to determine if alternative imaging studies may provide the information the referring physician seeks.
Director of Imaging Services Robyn Pulliam said, “Technology has improved to the point that we are able to collect more information, using a lower dose of radiation than was possible previously. One CT scan can produce 1,500 slices high quality diagnostic images, which provides a greater depth of information than a traditional X-ray, in about the same amount of time.”
Vice Chief Radiologist Samir Parikh, MD, serves as the Allegiance Health Radiation Safety Officer. Dr. Parikh said, “Our number one priority is patient safety. Medical radiation is the largest annual radiation exposure that is under our control. Our CT technologists, in consultation with radiologists, review each CT exam order for its appropriateness in order to customize the exam and reduce radiation burden, without sacrificing quality. We use dose reduction strategies that include ACR decision guidelines, optimization of CT technical factors and use of appropriate patient shielding. Breast shielding during CT scan is just one example.”