Radiation risk from medical imaging
Tests and Radiation Amounts
| Procedure | Radiation Dose (mSv) | Additional Cancer Risk | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | ||
| Comparison Doses | |||
| Average US Esposure | 6.2 mSv/year | ||
| 7-hour Airline Flight | 0.02 | ||
| Plain Radiograph | |||
| Chest x-ray (2-views) | 0.1 | 1 in 197628 | 1 in 147929 |
| Pelvis x-ray | 0.6 | 1 in 32960 | 1 in 24655 |
| Neck x-ray | 0.2 | 1 in 98912 | 1 in 73964 |
| L-spine x-ray | 1.5 | 1 in 13184 | 1 in 9863 |
| Extremity x-ray | 0.001 | 1 in 20000000 | 1 in 14285714 |
| Computed Tomography | |||
| CT head | 2 | 1 in 9887 | 1 in 7397 |
| CT neck | 6 | 1 in 3296 | 1 in 2466 |
| CT L-spine | 5.6 | 1 in 3531 | 1 in 2642 |
| CT Pulmonary Angiography | 15 | 1 in 1318 | 1 in 986 |
| CT Abdomen, Pelvis | 14 | 1 in 1413 | 1 in 1057 |
| CT Chest, Abdomen, Pelvis | 21 | 1 in 942 | 1 in 704 |
More Information
- Data from: http://www.xrayrisk.com/, additional cancer risk based on estimated 50 year-old male/female.
- How information is calculated: http://www.xrayrisk.com/about.php/
Pregnancy
- Greatest risk of harm during organogenesis (3-8 WGA)
- IV contrast not teratogenic (class B)
- PO contrast not absorbed = no risk
Exposure Risk
- <5,000 mrads = safe
- ~10,000 mrads = small risk childhood CA
- ~15,000^ mrads = 6% chance mental retardation
- <3% chance childhood CA
^Considered max
Always use shield when possible