Excessive CT Scans May Be Dangerous
June 13, 2001
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials are concerned about the number of people undergoing CT or "CAT" scans hoping for early detection of diseases. The concern is that otherwise healthy people are unnecessarily subjecting themselves to dangerous levels of radiation.
The FDA is especially concerned about the increasing popularity of full-body CT scans. The scans emit up to 100 times more radiation than a normal X-ray.
The American College of Radiology does not condone preventative use of CT scans. It released an official statement indicating that no evidence has shown preventative CT scans to be effective or cost-efficient.
Critics of CT scans are quick to point out that most life-threatening illnesses are in advanced stages before their symptoms even show up in a CT scan. They are especially critical of "mobile" CT scan units that travel from location to location. These machines are smaller than the normal CT scan machine, are much slower, and often produce blurry images. Poor image quality can cause anxiety because patients may think they have a medical problem when in fact it is just a blurred image.
Proponents of CT scans believe that the scans are empowering. They feel that individuals can now take charge of their health by having a CT scan, finding out if they have indications of disease, and discussing their concerns with a doctor. Proponents feel it allows individuals to take a proactive role in their own healthcare.
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
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