Image Gently improves pediatric CT imaging at UCLA

New imaging protocols have been implemented at all UCLA radiology facilities to help reduce the risk of radiation exposure to children undergoing computed tomography (CT) scans, a beneficial, often life-saving procedure. A CT scan uses X-rays to generate detailed, specialized images of a body structure and is often the gold standard for diagnosing many illnesses and injuries.

"CT scans produce images of excellent quality with a very short time of radiation exposure to pediatric patients," notes M. Ines Boechat, M.D., F.A.C.R., chief of pediatric imaging at Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA and current president of the Society for Pediatric Radiology. UCLA adopted the guidelines from Image Gently, a campaign to raise awareness in the medical community about the opportunities to lower radiation dosages in the imaging of children.

"Although there is no direct proof linking radiation exposure to cancer, evidence shows that CT imaging of children does not require the same dosage of radiation as adults," says Dr. Boechat. "The Image Gently protocols set forth guidelines of radiation dosages based on a child's size and weight. By reducing radiation dosages, we hope to minimize a child's risk. This is especially important for children who require many scans over the course of an illness." Exposure to radiation has unique implications for children because children are more sensitive to radiation, and may be exposed to radiation from imaging over a longer period of time.

Find other Health Tips for Parents on a variety of relevant topics at www.uclahealth.org/healthtips