Roland Sebastian Talanow MD, PhD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Mark Otto Baerlocher MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Over the previous 15 years, the use of medical imaging rapidly increased. Recent studies estimate that up to 1.5-2% of all cancers (USA) may be caused by radiation from CT scans and that a general under-appreciation of cancer risks associated with Imaging exams and procedures exist. This international study was performed to evaluate the awareness of medical radiation exposure among radiology professionals.

1500 radiology professionals related to the radiological field (radiologists, residents, technologists, and others) were asked to participate on an online survey on a volunteer basis. The survey included 13 questions about different levels of radiation awareness and knowledge. Results have been kept anonymous. Radiologists, residents and technologists were subdivided based on their experience level (years of training/practice).

148 (10%) professionals participated on that study of which 75.2% were radiologists and residents, 15.5% technologists and 9.4 others (e.g. medical students). 14.8% of all participants said that Ultrasound (US) utilizes ionizing radiation and 13.5% said that MRI does. 20%/33.3% of radiologists practicing more than 20 years think that MRI/US utilizes ionizing radiation. 0% (MRI)/14.3% (US) of radiologists practicing less than 5 years say so too. 75.7% of all voters think that US and 60.1% that MRI exposes patients to the least radiation. 55.4% of all voters think that CT and 24.3% that Angiography exposes patients to the most radiation. On a scale from 1 to 10, a high level of concern (7-10) about radiation risk among their patient population showed 63.5%, whereas 21.6% showed a lower level of concern (1-4). 50.3% think that gender and 10.1% that age does not make a difference in regard to susceptibility to carcinogenic effects of radiation.

The majority of surveyed professionals are concerned about radiation exposure from medical imaging to the patient population. However, a minority of professionals throughout the Radiology field had a misconception that US and MRI are utilizing ionizing radiation and that gender and age show no differences in susceptibility to carcinogenic effects of radiation. These might benefit from additional radiation training.

Radiology professionals might benefit from additional radiation training to raise awareness of radiation exposure from medical imaging and to prevent radiation over-exposure to patients.

Talanow, R, Baerlocher, M, Radiation Awareness amongst Radiology Professionals: A Worldwide Survey.  Radiological Society of North America 2010 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2010 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2010/9008466.html