CT Essentials: Best Practices for Radiation Safety

Heidi Veillette, BSc, RT(R)(MR)*

^*Medical Writer, Veillette Communications; Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Address correspondence to: Heidi@VeilletteCommunications.com.

Disclosure statement: The author reports having no significant financial or advisory relationships with corporate organizations related to this activity.

ABSTRACT

Computed tomography (CT) is an essential tool in modern healthcare, offering detailed high-resolution cross-sectional views of the body. Its widespread availability, speed, and expanding clinical applications have driven steady growth, with almost 93 million CT imaging studies performed annually in the United States, with usage increasing by about 10% per year. However, the growing reliance on CT has raised concerns about the potential risks of radiation exposure, particularly its association with cancer. Although CT scans account for 11% of all diagnostic imaging examinations, they deliver almost 70% of the total allowed radiation dose to patients. These concerns highlight the importance of balancing the diagnostic benefits of CT with potential long-term risks and minimizing radiation dose whenever possible. Radiologic technologists (RTs) play a central role in patient education and radiation protection. This course will review CT image production, the impact of radiation exposure on the body, key dose metrics, and practical strategies to optimize scanning protocols while minimizing radiation exposure. This course will also explore emerging technologies, including dose modulation techniques and postprocessing algorithms, designed to reduce radiation use while preserving image quality. Upon completion of the course, RTs will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide a safe environment for their patients while confidently acquiring high-quality diagnostic images.