Consumer Tips

Reducing Your Exposure to X-rays

• A doctor should examine you first, to determine if there is a clinical need for the x-ray. Ask your doctor if the x-ray is necessary.
   
  
• If you change doctors, ask that your old x-rays be sent to your new doctor. 
  
  
• If you are referred to another doctor, make sure that any x-rays already taken for your current problem are sent to the new doctor.
  
  
• As an agency, we strive to keep radiation exposure as low as reasonably possible to stay within the boundaries of the ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) standard. As a general statement, less is better.
  
  
• Visit the Image Gently website for information about radiation safety in pediatric imaging.
  
  
• Visit the Image Wisely website for information about radiation safety in adult medical imaging.

Additional resources

• FDA: Safety Investigation of CT Brain Perfusion Scans
  
• Fluoroscopy Training for Non-Radiologist Physicians