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Fluoroscopy is one imaging modality used in cardio - vascular imaging. Along with radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging and CT angiography, cardiovascular examinations can introduce high radiation exposures.10 The total effective dose from contrast-enhanced coronary CT angiography has been estimated to be between 2.1 and 21.4 mSv. In some cardiovascular and interventional examinations, radiologic technologists perform additional patient care duties such as placing peripherally inserted central catheters.
Use of medical imaging that does not involve ionizing radiation, such as ultrasonography and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, has increased partly in response to concerns regarding cumulative expo-sure. For example, ultrasonography traditionally has been used as an alternative imaging method to modalities that use ionizing radiation for women who are pregnant. Ultrasonography and MR imaging can replace some radiation-based imaging for appropriate cardiovascular indications. Safety still is a factor with any medical imaging examination. For example, MR imaging uses high magnetic field strengths and MR technologists typically are responsible for control-ling access to the region in which access by non-MR personnel or introduction of ferromagnetic objects or equipment could result in serious injury or death to patients or staff. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, ultrasonography has been used safely in medical imaging for more than 20 years. Because ultrasonic waves produce effects in the body, such as heating tissues slightly or producing cavitation, U.S. and international organizations have advocated for sensible use of ultrasonography as a diagnostic medical examination, and dis-couraged its use for nonmedical purposes for fetuses.
The risks vs benefits of mammography continue to be debated, and mammograms must be conducted within the parameters of the Mammography Quality Standards Act. Because this medical imaging modality is regulated, facilities and vendors must meet particular quality specifications and personnel qualification measures. The ACR and the Society of Breast Imaging addressed misinformation regarding thyroid exposure with an April 2011 statement. The thyroid receives no direct radiation exposure from mammography and scattered exposure is minimal, equivalent to about 30 minutes of natural background radiation that average Americans receive. As researchers and regulatory, advocacy and clinical organizations continue to explore the issue of safety in medical imaging, they consider the delicate balance of effective diagnosis and treatment of disease with the required exposure to radiation or other potential hazards. Among strategies to improve radiation safety are justification, education and optimization of images and technique. The ASRT and its partners recognize the critical role of the radiologic technologist in all aspects of medical imaging patient safety.
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