Clipping Board » Medical Harm ─ Unnecessary or inappropriate medical procedures can also cause harm.
2010-03-23 China Times
By Chang Tsui-fen / Taipei Report
CT scans involve high radiation doses. According to statistics from the Bureau of National Health Insurance, approximately 1.27 million people underwent CT scans last year. Doctors point out that children, whose bodies are still developing, are particularly vulnerable to radiation exposure. Inappropriate exposure can not only hinder development but also increase the risk of cancer. Unless medically necessary, children should minimize contact with radiation.
Chang Jun-chung, director of the Radiology Department at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, explained that the average adult’s annual background radiation exposure from the environment is below 5 millisieverts (mSv). A single CT scan exposes patients to at least 2 mSv. Currently, there is no upper limit for medical radiation exposure due to clinical needs.
**Doctors Must Exercise Caution—Only Perform Scans When Necessary**
Chang Jun-chung noted that CT scans are primarily performed on adults, with children accounting for less than 10% of cases. Pediatric abdominal CT scans are typically reserved for determining cancer staging, identifying abdominal masses, or diagnosing intestinal obstructions. Children with cancer may require multiple follow-up scans due to disease progression—these are medically necessary and unavoidable.
Chang Cheng-yen, director of the Radiology Department at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, pointed out that radiation doses vary between older and newer equipment. Digitalized modern machines emit about one-third the dose of traditional ones. Most major medical centers use automated monitoring systems, whereas many private clinics still rely on manual operation. Unless absolutely necessary, children should avoid these scans, and doctors should prescribe them judiciously—avoiding unnecessary scans altogether.
**Parents Must Advocate—Minimize Unnecessary Exposure**
Jen Yi-min, director of the Radiation Oncology Department at Tri-Service General Hospital, observed that many frontline radiology technicians are careless during procedures. For instance, when performing a chest X-ray on a child, inadequate shielding may result in unnecessary exposure of the entire torso. Excessive radiation can impair a child’s development and cause significant harm, making strict oversight essential.
He advised parents to ensure proper protection during X-rays or CT scans. For example, if only the chest needs imaging, other body parts should be shielded. Children under three years old should generally avoid radiation therapy unless absolutely necessary.
Tung Chuan-chung, a professor in the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences at Chang Gung University, warned against treating CT scans like over-the-counter medication—readily accessible without prescription. He emphasized that children’s smaller size and lower weight require adjustments in scan parameters (such as radiation energy and current). Using adult settings for children inevitably results in higher radiation doses.
Source: http:/ / life. chinatimes. com/ 2……0302+112010032300038,00. html
Child CT Dose Comparable to Adults, Higher Cancer Risk
By Chang Tsui-fen / Taipei Report
CT scans involve high radiation doses. According to statistics from the Bureau of National Health Insurance, approximately 1.27 million people underwent CT scans last year. Doctors point out that children, whose bodies are still developing, are particularly vulnerable to radiation exposure. Inappropriate exposure can not only hinder development but also increase the risk of cancer. Unless medically necessary, children should minimize contact with radiation.
Chang Jun-chung, director of the Radiology Department at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, explained that the average adult’s annual background radiation exposure from the environment is below 5 millisieverts (mSv). A single CT scan exposes patients to at least 2 mSv. Currently, there is no upper limit for medical radiation exposure due to clinical needs.
**Doctors Must Exercise Caution—Only Perform Scans When Necessary**
Chang Jun-chung noted that CT scans are primarily performed on adults, with children accounting for less than 10% of cases. Pediatric abdominal CT scans are typically reserved for determining cancer staging, identifying abdominal masses, or diagnosing intestinal obstructions. Children with cancer may require multiple follow-up scans due to disease progression—these are medically necessary and unavoidable.
Chang Cheng-yen, director of the Radiology Department at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, pointed out that radiation doses vary between older and newer equipment. Digitalized modern machines emit about one-third the dose of traditional ones. Most major medical centers use automated monitoring systems, whereas many private clinics still rely on manual operation. Unless absolutely necessary, children should avoid these scans, and doctors should prescribe them judiciously—avoiding unnecessary scans altogether.
**Parents Must Advocate—Minimize Unnecessary Exposure**
Jen Yi-min, director of the Radiation Oncology Department at Tri-Service General Hospital, observed that many frontline radiology technicians are careless during procedures. For instance, when performing a chest X-ray on a child, inadequate shielding may result in unnecessary exposure of the entire torso. Excessive radiation can impair a child’s development and cause significant harm, making strict oversight essential.
He advised parents to ensure proper protection during X-rays or CT scans. For example, if only the chest needs imaging, other body parts should be shielded. Children under three years old should generally avoid radiation therapy unless absolutely necessary.
Tung Chuan-chung, a professor in the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences at Chang Gung University, warned against treating CT scans like over-the-counter medication—readily accessible without prescription. He emphasized that children’s smaller size and lower weight require adjustments in scan parameters (such as radiation energy and current). Using adult settings for children inevitably results in higher radiation doses.
Source: http:/ / life. chinatimes. com/ 2……0302+112010032300038,00. html