Diagnostic Imaging

How Safe Is It?

As with other medical procedures, diagnostic imaging is safe when used with care. The amount of radiation used in most examinations is very small and the benefits greatly outweigh the risk of harm.

The decision to have an imaging exam is a medical one, based on the likelihood of benefit from the exam and the potential risk from radiation. To explain it in simple terms, we can compare the radiation exposure from one chest x-ray as equivalent to the amount of radiation exposure one experiences from our natural surroundings in 10 days.

Will Radiation Exposure Continue After an Imaging Procedure?
X-rays are produced only when a switch is momentarily turned on. As with visible light, no radiation remains after the switch is turned off.

What About Exposure From Interventional Radiology?
Interventional imaging procedures such as biopsies, drainage of fluid and pain management, frequently provide favorable medical results with minimal recovery time. In some cases these procedures avoid the need for conventional surgery or improve the prospects for a favorable outcome from surgery. There are associated risks with any medical procedure. However, in general, the risk of developing a cancer from the exposure is not a major concern when compared to the benefits of the procedure.

TDI radiologists and technologists have been trained to use the minimum amount of radiation necessary to obtain the needed results. Remember, imaging examinations provide valuable information about your health and play an important role in helping your doctor make an accurate diagnosis. If you are concerned about the procedure your doctor has ordered, please call 503-982-4862.

La Seguridad en las Imagenes Diagnósticas