Assessing the Safety of Non-Ionic Iodinated Contrast in CKD Stage 3a Patients
In patients with stage 3a chronic kidney disease (CKD), non-ionic iodinated contrast agents can be used for CT imaging? Hello Doctor, my grandfather is 79 years old, with a serum creatinine level of 1.3, which I calculated using the MDRD equation to give an estimated Glomerular F...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Hello: Regarding the safety of contrast agent usage, currently, an eGFR of less than 30 mL/min is considered a contraindication for administering contrast agents. Therefore, although your grandfather has moderate renal impairment, he is still within a safe range for usage. The li...[Read More] Assessing the Safety of Non-Ionic Iodinated Contrast in CKD Stage 3a Patients
Understanding the Safety Standards for Ion and Infrared Eye Masks
Negative ion and far infrared stress-relief eye mask? Hello Dr. Yang! There are eye masks on the market that claim to use negative ions and far infrared components for stress relief and other benefits. I would like to ask you about the safety standards for such products for human...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Dear Mr. Chen, Hello. Regarding the information related to negative ions, it has been collected by the National Science Council and the Forestry Bureau of the Council of Agriculture. Please refer to the attached document for details. From the information in the attachment, it ca...[Read More] Understanding the Safety Standards for Ion and Infrared Eye Masks
Understanding Radiation Exposure in Abdominal CT Scans with Contrast
Radiation issues The abdominal CT scan is mentioned in the Q&A as having a dose of 10 mSv for a single scan. If contrast material is administered, does this count as two scans, or is it still considered one? Would the dose be calculated as 10 mSv * 2 for both the scans with a...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Dear Ms. Chen, Regarding the dose of ionizing radiation received during a computed tomography (CT) scan, it is essential to consider the scope of the procedure, the technical conditions of the equipment, and the multi-phase observations in a combined discussion. Currently, the A...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure in Abdominal CT Scans with Contrast
Understanding Radiation Dose from CT Scans: What Patients Should Know
How can one determine the radiation dose received during a CT scan? Hello, Dr. Hsu. I would like to ask again, the radiation dose (in mSv) from different CT machines and different examination locations should vary significantly. How can patients find out the radiation dose for a ...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Dear CT, Hello. Continuous CT medical radiation affects all living organisms on Earth, whether they like it or not, and has been a part of our existence since ancient times. Humanity exists on the continuum of biological evolution, and our bodies can be considered products of a ...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Dose from CT Scans: What Patients Should Know
Effectiveness of Radiation Therapy for Bone Pain in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Lung adenocarcinoma 1. Will radiation therapy be effective for pain caused by bone metastases from lung adenocarcinoma? 2. Under what circumstances would a doctor advise against it?
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Dear Lily, 1. The treatment has an efficacy of 75%, with 50% of patients experiencing complete pain relief and 25% experiencing a reduction in pain after treatment. 2. If the patient is too weak and has only a few weeks left to live, treatment may not be beneficial. It is also n...[Read More] Effectiveness of Radiation Therapy for Bone Pain in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Is X-ray Safe for Infants? Understanding Risks and Recommendations
X-ray for infants A five-month-old baby was suspected of having a fracture after injuring their hand. We took the baby to a pediatrician, who recommended going to the emergency department. The emergency physician suggested we first get an X-ray to check for fractures. We had the ...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Dear Concerned Mother, Hello, the imaging examinations you described are standard medical procedures involving ionizing radiation, performed as needed for diagnosis and treatment. Such examinations do not pose a clear physical harm and allow for rapid assessment of the condition...[Read More] Is X-ray Safe for Infants? Understanding Risks and Recommendations
Understanding the Differences Between Chest X-rays and Lumbar X-rays
The difference between a chest X-ray and a thoracic spine X-ray lies in the areas they examine. A chest X-ray focuses on the structures within the thoracic cavity, including the lungs, heart, blood vessels, and surrounding tissues. It is Hello, Dr. Yang. When I went for a lateral...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Dear Xiao Kai: According to survey data, the radiation dose from a standard chest X-ray is approximately 0.1 to 0.2 millisieverts, while a lateral chest X-ray is about twice that amount. For a thoracic spine X-ray, the dose is around 1.5 millisieverts. Therefore, the lifetime can...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Chest X-rays and Lumbar X-rays
Concerns About Lumbar X-Ray Radiation Dose and Cancer Risk
Lateral lumbar spine X-ray dosage? After doing sit-ups yesterday, I experienced a sharp pain in my lower back today, similar to a strain. I visited an orthopedic doctor who advised me to get a lateral lumbar X-ray to determine the issue. I just found out that the radiation dose f...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Dear Yin-Wen, According to the medical radiation dose comparison chart on the Atomic Energy Council's website, a standard lumbar spine X-ray has a dose of approximately 1.5 millisieverts (mSv). The reference values updated by the American Health Physics Society this August ...[Read More] Concerns About Lumbar X-Ray Radiation Dose and Cancer Risk
Understanding the Risks of CT Scans for Immunocompromised Patients
Low immunity, undergo X-ray computed tomography (CT scan)? Hello Doctor, this is Mr. An, who asked a question last time. I am worried because I saw some online discussions and decided to look up information on master's and doctoral theses as well as articles written by medic...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Dear Mr. An, Regarding your body's immune function, please discuss this with a specialist in immunology and rheumatology. The principle is to assess any abnormalities based on blood test results. As for the carcinogenic risks associated with medical ionizing radiation, we e...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of CT Scans for Immunocompromised Patients
Concerns Over Excessive X-Ray Exposure: A Patient's Experience
Six X-rays were taken at once? When I went to the hospital for a check-up due to a feeling of tightness in my chest, the doctor, who seemed to be a newly promoted attending physician, might have taken my concerns seriously because I suspected I had a pneumothorax like my brother....
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Hello, The purpose of medical imaging examinations is to assist clinicians in assessing the condition of patients for timely diagnosis and treatment. It can be challenging to identify a small pneumothorax, which is why various imaging modalities are employed. The most commonly ...[Read More] Concerns Over Excessive X-Ray Exposure: A Patient's Experience
Does Steroid Use Increase Cancer Risk During CT Scans?
Can I undergo a CT scan while taking steroids? Taking steroids can significantly lower immune function. If a CT scan is performed during this period of immunosuppression, does it increase the risk of cancer? Could it be that damaged DNA cells are not effectively phagocytized by i...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Dear Mr. An, For the examinee, a single computed tomography (CT) scan may slightly increase a negligible risk of cancer. Currently, there is no clear evidence that receiving a CT scan after steroid treatment definitively causes cellular damage. However, regarding the safety of m...[Read More] Does Steroid Use Increase Cancer Risk During CT Scans?
Concerns About Full Mouth X-rays and Head Radiation Exposure Risks
The impact of a full-mouth X-ray on the head? During a dental appointment two years ago, before the dentist examined me, the dental assistant requested to take a full-mouth X-ray for the dentist's future reference. However, it seemed that the assistant was either not skilled...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Dear Yin-Yin, Hello. According to the regulatory authority for medical ionizing radiation devices in Taiwan (Atomic Energy Council), it is important to pay attention to radiation safety when using dental X-ray machines, and approval must be obtained from the Atomic Energy Counci...[Read More] Concerns About Full Mouth X-rays and Head Radiation Exposure Risks
Can MRI Replace CT for Lung Issues? Exploring Safety and Accuracy
Can MRI be used as a substitute for CT in the evaluation of the lungs? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask if there is discomfort in the left chest along with a cough, and I am concerned about potential lung issues. However, I am also worried about the high radiation dose from a CT...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Dear Pingping, For the imaging evaluation of general chest lesions, a chest X-ray with low levels of ionizing radiation is initially performed. If further assessment is required, a computed tomography (CT) scan will be conducted. Although such examinations are classified as medi...[Read More] Can MRI Replace CT for Lung Issues? Exploring Safety and Accuracy
Understanding X-Ray Radiation Exposure and Safety Measures
Radiation Dose Associated with X-ray Examinations 1. Does the X-ray machine itself have a radiation dose limit? Even if operated by personnel who are not familiar with the equipment, does the machine have an automatic mechanism to control the exposure to safe levels? 2. I had on...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Dear Mr. Christ, Hello, currently all equipment that can emit ionizing radiation in the country is regulated by the Atomic Energy Council. Instruments are registered and subject to regular audits, and operators must undergo relevant training. The X-ray machines in clinics also f...[Read More] Understanding X-Ray Radiation Exposure and Safety Measures
Understanding Radiation Exposure in Bone Mineral Density (BMD) Testing
Bone Mineral Density (BMD) Examination - Continuation Hello Doctor, I apologize for asking you about the radiation exposure from the Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test yesterday. I would like to inquire further: Last week, I went for a health check-up that included a BMD test. How...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Dear Mr. Dee, Hello, the BMD (Bone Mineral Density) device is malfunctioning, which may be due to the X-ray not being able to output, or the detector not being able to read the signal. It is difficult to determine the cause of the malfunction based on the conditions you provided...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure in Bone Mineral Density (BMD) Testing
Understanding Radiation Exposure in Bone Density (BMD) Scans and X-rays
The radiation dose from a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you two questions. 1. Regarding the bone mineral density (BMD) test (where the patient lies on a device and a moving machine scans the body), what is the approximate radiation dose for o...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Mr. Dee: Hello, the radiation dose for a single Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test is approximately 0.05 µSv, while a single chest X-ray has a radiation dose of about 0.02 µSv. Currently, regulations do not restrict medical exposure, but it is still advisable to avoid unnecessary ex...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure in Bone Density (BMD) Scans and X-rays
Concerns About Radiation Exposure from Multiple X-rays in Young Children
The child's crying and fussing during the X-ray caused the images to be blurred? Hello, doctor. I recently took my 2-year-old child to the clinic due to abdominal pain, and the physician requested an X-ray. During the procedure, my child was crying continuously, and the radi...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Dear Ms. Ying, Based on the description, this situation falls within the permissible scope of regulations and medical practices. The principle for the use of X-rays (ionizing radiation) is to minimize exposure as much as possible. Young children, due to their continuous growth, ...[Read More] Concerns About Radiation Exposure from Multiple X-rays in Young Children
Impact of X-ray Exposure on Fertility and Fetal Health: Key Insights
The issue of X-rays and conception? Dear Dr. Yang, As a healthcare professional, I assisted in the operating room on Monday afternoon, where I used a portable dental X-ray machine on a patient under general anesthesia to take two images of the maxillary anterior teeth due to roo...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Dear Mike, The dosage of intraoral radiographs during root canal treatment is extremely low and will not cause significant cellular damage. However, if sperm is damaged, it can affect fertility. The genetic effects cannot be clearly assessed (far below the evaluation range of 1 ...[Read More] Impact of X-ray Exposure on Fertility and Fetal Health: Key Insights
Ultrasound vs. CT and MRI: Best Method for Monitoring Liver Hemangiomas?
MRI & CT vs Ultrasound I would like to ask the doctor, if I only need to monitor the size of a hepatic hemangioma, is it necessary to regularly perform a CT or MRI? Or is an abdominal ultrasound sufficient? How does the accuracy of abdominal ultrasound compare to CT or MRI fo...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Dear Yi-Yi: Hepatic hemangiomas can be monitored using ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Ultrasound provides effective analysis, and CT or MRI is recommended only if there is a need to differentiate from other lesions. Wishing you good he...[Read More] Ultrasound vs. CT and MRI: Best Method for Monitoring Liver Hemangiomas?
Understanding Low-Dose Lung CT: Radiation Exposure and Safety Concerns
Low-dose computed tomography of the lungs? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you... 1. What is the radiation dose of a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan of the lungs equivalent to in terms of X-rays? I found information online stating it is approximately equivalent to 5-6 X...
Dr. Yang Jinghua reply Radiology
Dear Kai-Kai, The so-called low-dose computed tomography (CT) of the lungs is an examination that assesses the lungs and can be completed with a lower radiation dose. However, this may vary depending on body size and the equipment used. The principle is that the radiation dose i...[Read More] Understanding Low-Dose Lung CT: Radiation Exposure and Safety Concerns