Understanding the Differences Between Low-Dose and Standard CT Scans
The difference between low-dose and standard computed tomography (CT) scans? Director, I have undergone an abdominal CT scan in May 2019 and a brain CT scan in May 2020 due to symptoms and examination needs. I am scheduled to have a routine chest CT scan in February 2021, and I h...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello, 1. According to the Radiological Society of Taiwan's educational information from March 20, 2019, titled "Do I need to undergo low-dose chest computed tomography (CT)?" the following information is provided regarding "Who needs to undergo low-dose che...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Low-Dose and Standard CT Scans
Does Radiation Exposure Affect Egg Quality for IVF?
Does radiation exposure affect egg quality? I underwent abdominal, chest, and lumbar X-rays once each in August this year during a health check-up. From September to December, I had full mouth X-rays three times and single tooth X-rays four times at the dental clinic. Due to susp...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello, in most cases, the reasons affecting ovarian reserve are unclear, with aging being the primary factor related to reproductive age. Other factors that may influence ovarian reserve include smoking, lifestyle habits, medical history, previous ovarian surgeries, systemic chem...[Read More] Does Radiation Exposure Affect Egg Quality for IVF?
Understanding CT Scan Radiation: Risks and Safety for Young Adults
Computed Tomography Radiation Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about radiation issues related to CT scans. In the past five years, I have undergone three CT scans: a CT scan of the abdomen (with contrast), a CT scan of the oral cavity (with contrast), and a low-dose chest CT...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello, according to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists website, the radiation dose from a single dental computed tomography (CT) scan is approximately 0.2 millisieverts. The reference URL is https://www.xrayrisk.com/calculator/select_study.php?id=64. The radiation d...[Read More] Understanding CT Scan Radiation: Risks and Safety for Young Adults
Understanding Radiation Exposure: Concerns After Medical Imaging Procedures
Questions about radiation exposure? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask you a few questions that have been troubling me for a long time and causing me concern. I appreciate your clarification on the following situations: In mid-July, I underwent coronary angiography (with contras...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello, according to the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) report 103, doses below 100 millisieverts (including single or multiple exposures) do not cause clinically significant functional impairment. The radiation examinations you mentioned will not excee...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure: Concerns After Medical Imaging Procedures
Understanding the Risks of Low-Dose CT Scans for Lung Damage
Chest Computed Tomography (CT) Scan I underwent a low-dose chest CT scan during a health check-up, which revealed lung damage (a cavity in the lung lobe, suspected bronchiectasis). After continuous monitoring for six months, I had another low-dose chest CT scan, but the condition...
Dr. Zhang Zheng'ang Reply:
Unless medically necessary, it is generally not recommended to undergo a CT scan within three months. While the radiation exposure from a CT scan is not likely to cause immediate significant adverse effects on the body, a short interval between follow-up scans may lead to misinte...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Low-Dose CT Scans for Lung Damage
Understanding Abdominal CT Scans: What They Reveal Beyond the Small Intestine
Abdominal Computed Tomography (CT) Scan Hello Doctor, I underwent an abdominal CT scan in September this year to examine my small intestine. I initially thought that the abdominal CT scan was solely for checking the small intestine. Recently, due to anxiety, I have developed some...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello, computed tomography (CT) is an imaging technique that utilizes an X-ray tube rotating around the body, capturing data as X-rays penetrate the body. This data is then reconstructed by a computer to produce detailed structural images of the examined area. It is a painless an...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal CT Scans: What They Reveal Beyond the Small Intestine
Understanding CT Contrast Agent Side Effects and Their Duration
Side effects of contrast agents used in computed tomography (CT) scans? Hello Doctor: This year, during my company's health check-up, an abdominal ultrasound suggested a possible liver nodule or cyst (0.8 cm). I consulted a gastroenterologist at the hospital, who recommended...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello, the adverse reactions associated with iodine-based contrast agents can be classified by the timing of their occurrence: 1. Acute systemic adverse reactions: These occur within 1 hour after the administration of the contrast agent. 2. Late systemic adverse reactions: These ...[Read More] Understanding CT Contrast Agent Side Effects and Their Duration
Understanding Safe Radiation Exposure Limits for Medical Imaging
The acceptable amount of radiation exposure from diagnostic imaging procedures in one year? Due to my autoimmune disease, I have experienced various health issues this year. Since April, I have undergone numerous imaging studies, including several abdominal and cervical spine X-r...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello, MRI is a radiation-free examination. Additionally, according to the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) report 103, a dose below 100 millisieverts (including single or multiple exposures) does not cause clinical functional impairment. Following your ...[Read More] Understanding Safe Radiation Exposure Limits for Medical Imaging
Concerns About Radiation Exposure: Understanding Your X-Ray and CT Scan Risks
Concern about excessive radiation exposure? Hello Dr. Wang, I would like to ask you a question. In March of this year, I had a chest X-ray, and on October 8, I had an abdominal X-ray in the emergency department. On October 19, I underwent a chest CT scan (CT of the thorax) at my...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello, the following is an explanation by Committee Member Liao Yan-Peng of the Public Affairs Committee of the Radiological Society of the Republic of China regarding the regulations on annual radiation dose limits: 1. Why is the annual dose limit for "the general public&q...[Read More] Concerns About Radiation Exposure: Understanding Your X-Ray and CT Scan Risks
Is Frequent CT Scanning Safe? Understanding Radiation Risks
Three CT scans were performed within three months? I had a contrast-enhanced chest CT in early June, followed by an abdominal CT at the end of September. Five days later, I had another contrast-enhanced chest CT. Could this exposure to radiation be too high and have an impact on ...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello, following your doctor's instructions to undergo radiation-related examinations is based on the consideration that the health benefits outweigh the effects of radiation. If you have any concerns, it is advisable to communicate further with your physician before proceed...[Read More] Is Frequent CT Scanning Safe? Understanding Radiation Risks
Assessing the Risks of Frequent CT Scans in Elderly Patients
Short-term repeated computed tomography (CT) scans? My father, who is 85 years old, underwent abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans with contrast on March 108 and January 109 due to bowel obstruction. In August 109, he had another abdominal CT scan for a liver abscess and subs...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello, following your doctor's instructions to undergo radiation-related examinations is based on the consideration that the health benefits outweigh the effects of radiation. If you have any concerns, it is advisable to communicate further with your physician before proceed...[Read More] Assessing the Risks of Frequent CT Scans in Elderly Patients
Understanding Radiation Exposure from X-rays and CT Scans for Ankle Injuries
Radiation issues Hello Dr. Wang, I sprained my ankle at the end of August. On September 5th, I went to the hospital for an X-ray of my left ankle (one frontal and one lateral view). The doctor suspected a fracture from the X-ray and ordered a CT scan of my left foot, which confir...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello, 1. According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the radiation dose for a single examination of the extremities is approximately 0.001 millisieverts, while the radiation dose for a full-body CT scan is about 21 millisieverts. The International Commission...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure from X-rays and CT Scans for Ankle Injuries
CT Brain Scan: Safety Guidelines for Diabetic Patients on Metformin
CT brain scan I have a history of type 2 diabetes for 8 years, and my kidney function tests are currently normal. I need to undergo a CT scan of the brain with non-ionic contrast agent. 1. I am taking Metformin HCl 850 mg and Lyrica (pregabalin) 75 mg twice a day. How many days o...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello, 1. Recently, international trends have relaxed the usage guidelines for Metformin. The latest contrast agent manual from the American College of Radiology and the contrast guidelines from the European Urological Association suggest that intravenous iodinated contrast age...[Read More] CT Brain Scan: Safety Guidelines for Diabetic Patients on Metformin
Concerns About Multiple X-Ray Exposures in Young Children
Multiple radiographic examinations within a short period? Hello Doctor, my son is six years old. Since January, he has undergone various X-ray and CT scans for different reasons. 1. He had chest X-rays in January and February (suspected pneumonia). 2. In March, he had about three...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello, 1. Multiple exposures to radiation can indeed increase the risk of developing additional cancers. The purpose of imaging examinations is to assist physicians in diagnosing and identifying the underlying causes of diseases, enabling appropriate interventions so that patie...[Read More] Concerns About Multiple X-Ray Exposures in Young Children
Understanding Radiation Risks from Multiple CT Scans: What You Need to Know
Computed Tomography Radiation Hello, doctor. Recently, an abdominal ultrasound detected a shadow on my liver, so the doctor arranged for an abdominal CT scan (without contrast). A week later, upon reviewing the report, it was unexpectedly found that there seems to be a shadow on ...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, each additional abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CT) scan increases the risk of developing an additional cancer by approximately 1.2 per 1,000 scans. The purpose of imaging examinations is to assist physician...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Risks from Multiple CT Scans: What You Need to Know
Understanding the Risks of Abdominal CT vs. IVP for Fertility
Abdominal CT (Computed Tomography) Doctor, I had a urinalysis that showed occult blood, so I went to the urology department for further examination. I underwent kidney and bladder ultrasound and abdominal X-ray, but no abnormalities were found. I initially wanted the doctor to ar...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello: According to the data from the American Radiologic Technologists website, the radiation dose from a single abdominal CT scan is approximately 8 millisieverts, while the radiation dose from intravenous pyelography (IVP) is about 3 millisieverts. The International Commission...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Abdominal CT vs. IVP for Fertility
Understanding CT Scans: Radiation Risks and Interpretation Guidelines
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan Recently, I underwent an abdominal CT scan and multiple X-ray examinations due to my medical condition. I am also planning to have a health check-up soon, which includes a lung CT scan. I would like to ask the director: 1. Is it safe to have more tha...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello, 1. According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the radiation dose for a single CT scan of the abdomen (including the pelvic cavity) is approximately 14 millisieverts. The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) report 103 states that...[Read More] Understanding CT Scans: Radiation Risks and Interpretation Guidelines
Understanding Radiation Dose: Concerns After a Pelvic CT Scan
Questions regarding radiation dosage? Hello Dr. Chang, I recently underwent a pelvic CT scan at a certain hospital and called the staff there to inquire about the radiation dose. However, the staff member mentioned that he couldn't determine the radiation dose from the data...
Dr. Zhang Zheng'ang Reply:
Hello, a computed tomography (CT) scan requires a significant amount of radiation dose to obtain sufficient imaging information for diagnosis. A typical abdominal CT scan has a dose of about 10 mSv. Doses ranging from 2 to 10 mSv are considered low for the human body, but the med...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Dose: Concerns After a Pelvic CT Scan
Understanding Radiation Risks in Pediatric Heart Disease Treatments
Radiation from CT Scans and Cardiac Catheterization in Infants with Congenital Heart Disease Hello Dr. Yeh, My daughter was diagnosed with congenital heart disease (absence of the right pulmonary artery) right after birth. At just 5 days old, she underwent a cardiac CT angiogra...
Dr. Ye Weicheng Reply:
Dear Great Mom, The harmful effects of ionizing radiation on human health can be categorized into deterministic effects and stochastic effects. Deterministic effects refer to harmful tissue reactions resulting from excessive radiation exposure; as the dose increases, the severit...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Risks in Pediatric Heart Disease Treatments
Comparing Accuracy: CT Scan vs. Ultrasound for Salivary Gland Tumors
Computed Tomography and Ultrasound Hello Dr. Wang: Previously, I visited the otolaryngology department at a medical center due to a lump under my right ear. The physician performed an ultrasound examination and diagnosed it as a 0.9 x 0.6 cm salivary gland tumor, recommending fol...
Dr. Wang Yifen Reply:
Hello: Imaging examinations such as CT and ultrasound are non-invasive tests. Their diagnostic accuracy can be influenced by factors such as the nature of the disease (e.g., location, size, tumor characteristics), patient cooperation, body habitus, and the conditions during scann...[Read More] Comparing Accuracy: CT Scan vs. Ultrasound for Salivary Gland Tumors