Justifying referrals for paediatric CT.
• The system of radiation protection assumes a linear dose-response relationship with no threshold for low doses and dose rate exposures. This is based on epidemiological evidence at higher doses. • Hence there is a small theoretical risk of carcinogenesis attributable to low doses of ionising radiation. This risk is associated with any diagnostic imaging procedure involving radiation. • Radiosensitivity declines with age, so children are more susceptible to radiation risks than adults. Females are more radiosensitive than males. • The radiation protection system is based on the assumption that radiation risk is cumulative over a lifetime. • For an individual, a justified, optimised computed tomography (CT) scan will result in more benefit than harm. A doctor must justify the necessity for a CT scan before referring an individual for imaging.
Radiology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC. z.brady@alfred.org.au
Zoe
Z
Brady
Timothy M
TM
Cain
Peter N
PN
Johnston
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D001315:Australia; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010372:Pediatrics; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011835:Radiation Protection; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012737:Sex Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019564:Unnecessary Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*