Radiation is an energy that is produced in the form of particles or waves. It is produced naturally by sunlight, and it is also produced by humans during X-rays, cancer treatments, and in nuclear facilities. Long-term exposure to a small amount of radiation causes gene mutations and increases the risk of developing cancer. Brief exposure for a longer period causes radiation sickness. The symptoms are nausea, skin burns, and reduced organ function. In severe cases, it leads to death.
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What are the alternative tests for TB other than X-ray?
Query: Hello doctor, I am 23 years old female. I had TB during my childhood, but it was already cured. I am planning to work abroad and am worried about my medical tests, if TB has recurred. What test should I take to examine a TB? My concern is that, if I take a chest x-ray this month, and for example, m... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. If you have already been treated for TB ((tuberculosis) in the past and have been declared cured, it is highly unlikely that you will develop active TB again. TB Is treated with symptoms as well, not just X-ray, alone. If multiple chest X-ray... Read Full »
Why is the radiation exposure limit high for hospital workers?
Query: Hello doctor, Why do the NCRP guidelines have the maximum exposure to x-rays radiation for hospital workers higher than the normal public? What does the hospital workers have, that makes them fine to get exposed to more radiations than the public? Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Hospital workers are exposed to small doses of likely leaked radiation. The maximum exposure is based on a cumulative radiation dose limit for hospital workers, and this is a part of professional hazard during work. However, continuous improvement in radiation usage is he... Read Full »
Does the natural radiation level add to cancer risk?
Query: Hello doctor, Does the natural background radiation level (3 mS v per year) add to cancer risk on top of a dose from medical imaging, or is natural radiation separate or safe since we all receive it? Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. One mSv is the limit for the general public. The background is usually within this limit. But radiation workers have a limit of 20 mSv per year, which is also very safe. Also, doses from medical imaging can contribute. But the benefits from medical imaging offset any... Read Full »
I am pregnant. Will getting a CT scan harm my baby?
Query: Hi doctor, I am a 29 year old female, and I was hospitalized for a week due to UTI. As a part of it, a CT scan was taken, which showed that I am completely cured. Then the next day, a blood test showed two weeks pregnancy. I am worried that the CT scan would have an adverse effect on the baby. Could... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have gone through your question, and I understood your concerns. CT scan has strong radiations, and it is known to have adverse effects on the fetus. You should consult a gynecologist and decide further action. Hope you found the answer helpful. Do get back to more f... Read Full »
How do I calculate radiation dose from three scout scans?
Query: Hello doctor, I had a CT scan of the chest and abdomen. What is odd about this scan is that the technician did three scout scans before the final helical scan, which made me uncomfortable because I do not know how much radiation I received in those scans. When I got the CD, I looked at the dose repo... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have seen the reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity). From calculations, the total radiation dose received by you during the CT scan is likely 10 mSv. Please note that scout images give low dose and three scout images will not significantly increas... Read Full »
Is there a risk of radiation when an HSG test is done twice?
Query: Hi doctor, Three years back, I conceived for the first time without any medicine but unfortunately the pregnancy ended up in miscarriage. Since 8 months I am trying to conceive now. The following year I got a HSG test and was informed that both my fallopian tubes were blocked. Doctor said laparoscop... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I can understand your problem. HSG (Hysterosalpingography) is a good test. It will not only detect the block, but sometimes because of the pressure of the dye being inserted inside, the tubes sometimes open up. So, it actually at times cures the problem as well. There i... Read Full »
I am worried about developing bone cancer. Please help.
Query: Hello doctor, I am 29 years old, and I am worried about bone cancer. I have had two computed tomography (CT) scans for kidney stones around my abdomen area for a total of 7 mSv. I also had a CT scan of my head. I read that radiation can cause bone cancer. Should I be worried? Is it a low dose and no... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. It is true that radiation may cause cancer, but that is one person among one million people. Also, there is no family history of cancer, so not to worry. Eat antioxidants and fruits, exercise daily, and make your mind positive. Read Full »
I had frequent CT scans. Will I get cancer?
Query: Hi doctor, I am a 50 year old male. My height is 5'11" and weight is 170 lbs. I do not have any major health issue, but my brother and mother had recently come down with leukemia. Recently had a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis repeated with and without contrast material. Before four years, I also ... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. The recent computed tomography (CT) scan of abdomen and pelvis has a radiation dose of 12.366 mSv which means it is causing an additional cancer risk of 0.06 percent. This is quite low and not a reason to get worried. The radiation dose from the three CT scans for ... Read Full »
Is my hip X-ray overexposed with a 35 mAs setting?
Query: Hello doctor, I had a hip X-ray of 35 mAs. An average hip x-ray is supposed to be 20 mAs/.07 mSv. So if my hip x-ray was 35 mAs, how many more mSv have I received? Was I overexposed? Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. The x-ray power output depends on mAs (milliampere-seconds) and kVp (kilovoltage peak) parameters. The average hip x-ray can be done at about 20 to 30 mAs and 70 to 80 KVp. The general rule is that the percentage increase in mAs causes a similar increase in radiation... Read Full »
Is fluoroscopy for back pain advisable at 22 weeks of pregnancy?
Query: Hi doctor, I am 22 weeks pregnant. For my severe lumbar injury, shall I get a procedure done under fluoroscopy? Would I be able to see the baby in the fluoroscopy? Please help. Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Fluoroscopy is not advisable while you are pregnant and it is not recommended at all. Do take local treatment for a backache and take more rest. If constipation is there, then take proper treatment for it. This will all help in decreasing pain. If it is not avoidable, t... Read Full »
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