The ‘Image Gently’ campaign: increasing CT radiation dose awareness through a national education and awareness program

Excerpt

ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) has been a guiding principle for pediatric radiologists for decades. The Society for Pediatric Radiology (SPR) has long been a leader in promoting safety in radiology practice in children. However, the ALARA principle has taken on new meaning in the past several years as the number of CT scans in children has skyrocketed. For example, it is estimated that since the 1980s when CT was beginning its ascendancy there has been up to an 800% increase. CT scans in children provide great benefit in patient care when used appropriately. However, increased use requires a team approach to ensure that only indicated exams are performed and at the lowest appropriate dose to the pediatric patient. As a response to this public health issue, the Society for Pediatric Radiology (SPR), the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), the American College of Radiology (ACR), the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) and nine other medical organizations and agencies have formed a multi-disciplinary group, the Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging, to increase awareness and educate radiologists and radiology technologists on the need to “child-size” CT scan technique. The Alliance represents more than 400,000 health care professionals. …