{"id":5029,"date":"2023-05-08T07:43:47","date_gmt":"2023-05-08T14:43:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.healthimages.com\/?p=5029"},"modified":"2023-05-08T07:44:49","modified_gmt":"2023-05-08T14:44:49","slug":"how-much-radiation-from-imaging-tests","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.healthimages.com\/how-much-radiation-from-imaging-tests\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Radiation Do You Get from Imaging Tests?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"how<\/p>\n

Imaging tests help diagnose medical conditions. Whether an x-ray to assess bone fractures or a CT scan to visualize internal organs, these tests provide valuable information that helps healthcare providers make informed decisions about patient care.<\/p>\n

You may have heard about the association between medical imaging tests and radiation, and it’s natural to have questions regarding how much radiation is in a CT scan or x-ray. We’ll cover the types of radiation and imaging tests, as well as the amount of radiation you receive from imaging tests.<\/p>\n

Types of radiation<\/h2>\n

Radiation is energy that travels in waves or particles and can come from various sources. The\u00a0two main types of radiation<\/a>\u00a0related to medical imaging tests are\u00a0ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.<\/p>\n

Ionizing radiation<\/h3>\n

Ionizing radiation uses high-energy waves to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms. When electrons are lost, the atom or molecule becomes electrically charged, called an ion. This process can potentially cause damage to living tissues.<\/p>\n

Ionizing radiation is commonly used in imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans and nuclear medicine scans. The risks associated with ionizing radiation are typically low and carefully regulated in medical imaging tests to ensure patient safety.<\/p>\n

Non-ionizing radiation<\/h3>\n

Non-ionizing radiation uses lower-energy waves and lacks the ability to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms. This type of radiation is used in imaging tests such as MRI scans and ultrasounds. Non-ionizing radiation is generally considered safe, as it does not carry the same risk of cellular damage associated with ionizing radiation.<\/p>\n

Background radiation<\/h3>\n

In addition to being used in medical imaging tests, radiation exists naturally in our environment. The levels of natural radiation exposure vary depending on geographical location, altitude and lifestyle choices.<\/p>\n

The majority of background radiation\u00a0occurs from minerals<\/a>\u00a0in the ground, soil and water. Cosmic radiation also contributes to background radiation.<\/p>\n

Radiation in daily life<\/h2>\n

Radiation is a natural part of our environment, and we are exposed to it daily. Here are some common examples of background radiation:<\/p>\n