An international study, conducted by the IAEA, has shown that in some countries children are over-exposed while performing computed tomography (CT) scans. These children are receiving adult-sized radiation doses, although experts have warned against the practice for over a decade.
The study, which was carried out at 128 healthcare facilities in 28 developing countries in Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe, also found great variation in radiation levels and in the frequency of CT scans performed on children under 15 years of age. The study showed that 11 CT centres in six countries were using adult exposure parameters for paediatric patients. This is due to the operator´s lack of awareness and with CT scans it is difficult to detect higher exposures from the image obtained. If the exposure is too high, the image does not deteriorate and in fact, it tends to look better.
This is in contrast to the conventional X-rays. If the exposure is slightly higher, the image goes black indicating that a higher radiation dose is given than required.
(IAEA News)
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