Course Description
Ionizing radiation used in medical imaging provides both benefits and risks to patients and healthcare providers and accounts for more than half the radiation exposure experienced by the population in the United States. The word radiation evokes fear for many. Radiation can cause cancer in high doses, levels much higher than those used for routine x-rays or a single computed tomography (CT) scan. Misunderstanding about radiation and medical imaging thrives among both the public and healthcare providers. The risk of developing cancer as a result of exposure to radiation depends on the part of the body exposed, the individual’s age at exposure, and the individual’s sex. It is assumed that the risk for adverse health effects including cancer is proportional to the amount of radiation dose absorbed and that there is no amount of radiation that is completely without risk. There is considerable uncertainty regarding the risk estimates for low levels of radiation exposure as commonly experienced in diagnostic radiology procedures. However, one must also balance the risk of NOT performing an examination, which might result in missing a diagnosis and/or initiating treatment too late to improve the medical outcome. This review examines the data regarding the risk of cancer from ionizing radiation and suggests measures to consider when imaging both adults and children.

Learning Objectives
After reading this article, the participant should be able to:

• Define the various terms used to describe radiation.
• Discuss differences in the effects of radiation on adults and children.
• Describe approaches to reduce radiation exposure to patients.

Categories: Radiation Safety/Protection, Fluoroscopy, Computed Tomography (CT), Nuclear Medicine

CE Information
In order to receive CE credit, you must first complete the activity content. When completed, go to the “Take CE Test!” link to access the post-test.

Submit the completed answers to determine if you have passed the post-test assessment. You must answer 6 out of 8 questions correctly to receive the CE credit. You will have no more than 3 attempts to successfully complete the post-test.

Participants successfully completing the activity content and passing the post-test will receive 1.0 ARRT Category A credits or 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.

Approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for ARRT Category A credit.

Approved by the state of Florida for ARRT Category A credit.

Texas direct credit.

This activity may be available in multiple formats or from different sponsors. ARRT does not allow CE activities such as Internet courses, home study programs, or directed readings to be repeated for CE credit in the same biennium.

TARGET AUDIENCE
This activity is designed to meet the needs of Radiologic Technologists and Physicians, specifically Radiologists.

This activity is provided by AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare, for physician credit.

Release Date: 9/1/2018

Expiration Date: 9/1/2020

Physicians
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare, and eRADIMAGING. AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare, is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for Physicians.

AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare, designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Physician Assistants
NCCPA accepts AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by ACCME.

If you have any questions relating to the CME accreditation of this activity, please contact AKH Inc. at jgoldman@akhcme.com.

COMMERCIAL SUPPORT:
This activity is NOT supported by a commercial educational grant.

DISCLOSURE DECLARATION
It is the policy of AKH Inc. to ensure independence, balance, objectivity, scientific rigor, and integrity in all of its continuing education activities. The faculty must disclose to the participants any significant relationships with commercial interests whose products or devices may be mentioned in the activity or with the commercial supporter of this continuing education activity. Identified conflict of interest is resolved by AKH prior to accreditation of the activity.

DISCLOSURE OF UNLABELED USE AND INVESTIGATIONAL PRODUCTS
This educational activity does not include discussion of uses of agents that are investigational and/or unapproved by the FDA. Please refer to the official prescribing information for each product for discussion of approved indications, contraindications, and warnings.

DISCLAIMER
AKH Inc.’s courses are designed solely to provide healthcare professionals with information to assist in their practice and professional development. The courses are researched thoroughly, utilizing current literature and including practical experiences. AKH’s courses are not to be considered a diagnostic tool to replace professional advice or treatment. The courses serve as a general guide to the healthcare professional, and therefore, they cannot be considered as giving legal, nursing, medical, or other professional advice in specific cases. AKH educational courses do not endorse commercial products. The author(s) and the publisher specifically disclaim responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting directly or indirectly from information in the courses. AKH further disclaims any responsibility for undetected errors, or from the reader’s misunderstanding of the course.