Ionizing radiation in medical diagnostics is a topic that raises many concerns. Examinations like computed tomography are commonly used, but some patients have fears related to radiation exposure. How does it really work, and do the radiation doses received during the examination pose any health risks? Let’s find out!
Ionizing Radiation – What Is It and How Does It Affect the Body?
Ionizing radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation resulting from the decay of radioactive isotopes of various elements — occurring naturally or produced artificially.
The use of radiation in medicine, especially in imaging studies, can cause anxiety among uninformed individuals. The main concerns are related to its impact on the human body. The internet is filled with unreliable content regarding the alleged harmfulness of electromagnetic waves and the diseases they supposedly cause.
Of course, in large doses, ionizing radiation can cause biological damage. This is due to particles penetrating cells at high speeds. Such concentrated energy causes so-called ionization, i.e., knocking out electrons from atoms within cells, as well as breaking chemical bonds between the elements that compose them.
However, it’s important to emphasize that the danger concerns large doses of radiation. In computed tomography and other imaging studies, radiation is used carefully and in a controlled manner, ensuring that such diagnostics do not pose a health risk. On the contrary, it allows for the detection of many diseases at an early stage of development.
Types of Imaging Studies and Radiation Doses
Different diagnostic tests use varying doses of radiation, depending on their type and purpose. Among the most commonly used there are:
- Traditional X-ray (radiograph) – The radiation dose received during a single image typically ranges from 0.01 to 0.15 mSv (millisieverts) (10 µSv – 150 µSv), depending on the area examined.
- Traditional Computed Tomography (CT) – Depending on the area examined, the patient receives from 1 to 10 mSv (1,000–10,000 µSv).
- Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) – Compared to traditional CT, the radiation doses received during a single CBCT image are significantly lower, averaging from 0.05 to 0.6 mSv (50–600 µSv).
It’s worth noting that the radiation doses received during imaging studies are not significantly higher than those we receive during many other activities. For comparison, the dose received during a several-hour airplane flight is about 0.02–0.04 mSv (20–40 µSv).
According to studies, a radiation dose between 0.1–1 mSv (100–1,000 µSv) poses a comparable health risk to flying approximately 7,200 km by plane.[4]
Read also: Differences Between CBCT and Traditional CT Computed Tomography
What Is the Acceptable Radiation Dose?
The idea of receiving even a small dose of ionizing radiation in medical diagnostics causes concerns for some patients. However, it’s important to realize that radiation is a natural part of our environment. Its sources can include cosmic radiation, emissions from rocks, soil, buildings, and even some processes occurring in the human body. It’s estimated that, on average, each person receives a natural radiation dose of about 2.4 mSv (2,400 µSv) per year. Therefore, radiation doses in imaging diagnostics constitute only a fraction of these values.
It’s also crucial to understand what radiation dose is harmful. It is estimated that negative health effects may occur when receiving a dose of about 200 mSv (200,000 µSv), which is significantly higher than doses from imaging studies.
Facts and Myths About Radiation
Myth 1: Every Dose of Radiation Is Harmful
This is one of the most frequently repeated myths. Yes, ionizing radiation can damage cells and DNA, but the radiation doses used in computed tomography and CBCT are so low that the risk is minimal.
Myth 2: Ionizing Radiation Doses in Medical Diagnostics Are Very High
As mentioned, radiation is omnipresent in our lives. The radiation doses received during diagnostic tests like X-rays or CBCT are often comparable to what we naturally receive over several days or weeks.
Fact 1: CBCT Gives a Lower Radiation Dose Than Traditional Computed Tomography (CT)
Modern CBCT devices used at Skanai provide high-resolution images, especially when imaging bone structures. At the same time, the radiation dose the patient receives is lower than with traditional computed tomography. This means that CBCT allows for excellent image quality in an even safer way for patients.
Fact 2: CBCT Is Especially Recommended for Patients Who Need Frequent or Regular Diagnostic Tests
CBCT allows for precise imaging of structures with high resolution, making it ideal for detailed examination of bones, teeth, and soft tissues, while capturing the image in a single rotation of the scanner around the patient’s head. This significantly shortens the examination time and reduces patient discomfort compared to traditional imaging methods that require multiple shots. This is particularly useful in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery, where precision and speed are crucial. CBCT is especially recommended for patients who need frequent or regular examinations because it emits a significantly lower radiation dose than traditional computed tomography (CT).
How to Minimize Risks Associated with Radiation?
Although radiation doses in computed tomography and CBCT are small, several rules should be followed to ensure maximum safety during diagnostic tests:
- Perform imaging studies only when medically justified – to avoid unnecessary examinations.
- Use protective measures such as lead aprons that shield body parts not being examined.
- Choose modern diagnostic methods that offer lower radiation doses, such as CBCT tomography.
Ionizing radiation in medical diagnostics is an integral part of imaging studies. While patients’ concerns about radiation exposure are understandable, it’s worth remembering that radiation doses in tomography performed using modern equipment are minimal and safe for health. Therefore, promoting an informed approach to imaging diagnostics, based on knowledge and understanding, is important. This helps dispel many myths and fears related to radiation exposure.
Bibliography:
- Skutki biologiczne, Monitor radioaktywności w powietrzu w Lublinie, dost. 23.08.2024
- Eugene C. Lin, MD, Ryzyko napromieniowania związane z badaniami obrazowymi w medycynie, Medycyna po dyplomie 02/2021, dost. 23.08.2024
- U. Rybicka, Fizyk jądrowy o dopuszczalnych dawkach promieniowania, Nauka w Polsce, 16.03.2011, dost. 23.08.2024
- Eugene C. Lin, MD Department of Radiology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Waszyngton, USA, Ryzyko napromieniowania związane z badaniami obrazowymi w medycynie, Mayo Clin Proc 2010;85(12):1142-1146