Inland Imaging Minimizes Radiation Risk for CT Patients

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Recent headlines and news stories citing national studies have claimed that repeated and sustained radiation exposure during unnecessary Computerized Tomography (CT) scans increases the risk for cancer. This has caused widespread patient apprehension about the valuable diagnostic tool, potentially leading some patients to forgo the crucial imaging tests they need to best help their physician diagnose and treat them.

Computerized Tomography is an advanced imaging technology used by doctors to accurately diagnose and treat complex diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and many other serious medical conditions.

“We feel it is our responsibility to educate and inform physicians and their patients on how best to utilize CT technology,” said Angela Steinbach, CT Manager at Inland Imaging, the region’s leading provider of medical imaging and technology services. “It’s important for people to know that Inland Imaging has always taken preventative steps in minimizing our patients’ exposure to radiation, and with the proper precautions, a CT scan is often a necessary – and a frequently powerful diagnostic tool for physicians to make important management decisions about their patients.”

Inland Imaging is the only group of board certified, sub-specialized radiologists in the Spokane region that work closely with their imaging technologists to strictly monitor and track patient radiation doses during CT scanning, a noninvasive procedure that uses multiple x-ray images and a computer to create detailed cross-sectional pictures of the inside of the body.

“Our technical and clinical team mindfully weigh the benefits of each CT scan against the risks, thoroughly evaluating every patient’s case and recommending non-radiation or lower-radiation alternatives when possible,” said Dr. Tasneem Lalani, Inland Imaging Body Imaging Specialized Radiologist.

When a CT scan is deemed necessary, Inland Imaging’s radiologists and technologists take preventative measures to limit a patient’s exposure to radiation, using the minimum amount of radiation needed to achieve desired results. Three years ago, Inland Imaging proactively decreased CT radiation doses by 30 percent. The team also changed protocols to take fewer x-ray images during certain CT scans, further reducing radiation exposure.

“The health of our patients is our top priority,” said Steinbach. “Patients and their referring physicians can be confident that Inland Imaging provides the most appropriate imaging tests and accurate results, while exposing patients to the least amount of radiation possible.”

All of Inland Imaging’s CT scanners have been certified by the American College of Radiology (ACR), an additional precaution to ensure minimal radiation doses during scanning. Inland Imaging is also a participant of “Image Gently,” a national campaign to lower radiation doses in the imaging of children.