In 2010 the Faculty of Clinical Radiology (FCR) developed a Position Statement on Computed Tomography and Radiation Risk to give guidance on radiation risk and using As Low As Reasonably Achievable Doses (ALARA principle). In Australia and New Zealand, CT utilisation has increased substantially over the last two decades as the technology has become more sophisticated, frequently replacing invasive, less accurate or higher risk alternatives such as exploratory surgery. Over this time, there has also been significant technology improvement, enabling scanners to deliver higher quality images with lower radiation doses. The FCR have updated their Position Statement to reflect changes in technology since the position was developed.
The College actively supports efforts to reduce exposure of patients to unnecessary radiation during medical imaging examinations. CT imaging should only be performed in circumstances where the medical benefit outweighs any associated risk, and where the required clinical information that will support a patient’s treatment cannot be achieved by other imaging methods such as ultrasound or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), which do not involve radiation exposure.
The updated Position Statement on Computed Tomography and Radiation Risks is available by clicking here