Radiation safety for X-ray and CT
Ionising radiation is a tool — useful when it answers an important clinical question, unnecessary when a non-radiation test would suffice.
Justification
Before X-ray or CT, clinicians weigh benefit against risk. Screening-style curiosity is not a reason for CT.
Optimisation
Modern systems tailor exposure to body region and size. Repeating a scan “just to be sure” without a new clinical question adds dose without value.
Pregnancy
Always declare known or possible pregnancy before X-ray/CT. Alternatives or deferral may be appropriate.
Children
Paediatric patients need tighter justification and age-appropriate protocols.
Ultrasound as alternative
When ultrasound can answer the question, it avoids ionising radiation entirely.
Reports
Reports
A hard-copy report is usually ready within 15–20 minutes after the scan. Soft copies can be downloaded from the Reports page with your Patient ID for 3 days after upload — please save the file to your device.