Some experts recommend that people keep a diary of any tests they or their children get involving radiation, because risk accumulates over a lifetime. Here are questions for any doctor who recommends a computed tomography, or CT scan:
- How will my medical care be affected by the results? Will the scan determine my treatment?
- What about alternatives like ultrasound or MRIs?
- How about just waiting? What are the risks of not doing the test?
- Does any research show this test will help me or lessen my chances of dying?
- Is this being done to diagnose a specific problem? (CT scans for people with no symptoms are not recommended).
- Is more than one scan truly necessary?
- Is the facility accredited by the American College of Radiology?
- What is being done to make sure I receive the lowest possible radiation dose?
- Does this center regularly do scans on children and follow guidelines for adjusting doses to reduce radiation?
