Radiation & Medical Imaging
Small Amounts of Radiation Can Provide Important Information
It is normal to have questions about radiation.
Radiation is used safely every day in medical imaging. Exams such as CT and PET scans use small amounts of radiation to create images that can help your doctor diagnose disease, plan treatment and monitor your health.
Our team carefully manages the amount of radiation used during your exam.
WHY IS RADIATION USED?
Helping Your Doctor See What Is Happening Inside Your Body
Radiation allows us to create detailed images of areas inside your body that your doctor cannot see otherwise.
These images can help your doctor:
Find health problems
Diagnose disease
Plan treatment
See how well treatment is working
Monitor changes over time
The goal is simple – get the images your doctor needs while keeping your radiation exposure as low as possible.
RADIATION SAFETY – 4 THINGS TO KNOW
WHICH IMAGING EXAMS USE RADIATION?
Not Every Imaging Exam Uses Radiation
| CT | YES | CT uses X-rays to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body. | Learn About CT Scans |
|---|---|---|---|
| PET/CT | YES | PET/CT uses a small amount of radioactive tracer along with CT imaging to help your doctor see activity happening inside your body. | Learn About PET/CT Scans |
| MRI | NO | MRI uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed images. It does not use radiation. | Learn About MRI Scans |
WHAT ABOUT RADIATION AROUND US?
Radiation Isn't Only Used in Medicine
We are exposed to small amounts of natural radiation every day.
Radiation can come from sources such as:
The sun
The soil
Some foods
Air travel
Even some common household items, such as smoke detectors, involve very low levels of radiation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Should I be afraid of radiation from my scan?
Medical imaging departments follow strict safety standards. The amount of radiation used is carefully managed while still allowing us to get the clear images your doctor needs.
Why would my doctor order an exam that uses radiation?
The images can provide important information about your health. They can help your doctor diagnose problems, plan treatment and monitor your condition.
Do all imaging exams use radiation?
No. CT and PET/CT use radiation. MRI does not use radiation.
Who makes sure my exam is safe?
Trained imaging professionals carefully manage radiation exposure. Medical imaging departments also follow strict safety rules and guidelines.
Can I ask questions about radiation before my exam?
Yes. If you have questions or concerns, talk with your doctor or technologist. We want you to understand your exam and feel comfortable with your care.
QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR EXAM?
We're Here to Help
It is okay to have questions about medical imaging or radiation.
Our team wants you to understand what will happen and why your exam is important.
Radiology Department
505-822-3803
505-822-3803