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.
Be certain that you or your child's gonadal area receives some type of protective shielding when the gonadal area is being x-rayed unless the shield will interfere with the diagnosis. There is usually some type of leaded shield such as a leaded apron for dental x-rays. For medical x-rays, different types and sizes of leaded shielding (adult, child) should be used to protect the area.
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.