Source: U.S. Food & Drug Administration Press Release
The FDA is taking initiative to reduce the risks of injury associated with “unnecessary” radiation exposure from CT (Computed Tomography), nuclear medicine and fluoroscopy.
Unlike traditional x-rays and mammography for which radiation doses have decreased over the years, the amount of radiation from medical imaging from the above has increased. Accidental over-exposure can increase the risk of cancer, cause skin burns, hair loss and the formation of cataracts. A CT of the abdomen reveals more information than a plain x-ray. It also has the same dose as 400 x-ray studies.
The initiate by the FDA is designed to: 1.) Promote the safe use of medical imaging; 2.) Support informed clinical decision-making; and, 3.) Increase patient awareness of exposure. With regard to manufacturers of medical scanning equipment, the FDA intends to introduce target requirements for safeguards and provide better product training to reduce “accidental” overexposure.
Other aspects of the initiative include additional quality assurance and accreditation for Medicare and Medicaid providers. Let’s hope they get it right.
~Posted by D.M. Schwadron, Esquire