May 10, 2007

medical physics expert responds to warning of radiation exposure “epidemic”

The warning from a US doctor concerned overexposure to radiation from CT scans and was published in the British Medical Journal.

Professor Malcolm Sperrin, Director Of Medical Physics And Clinical Engineering, Royal Berkshire Hospital, said:

“In the UK a huge amount of time and effort is aimed at reducing radiation exposure especially to high risk groups such as children or pregnant mothers-to-be. This is enshrined in law and legal action can be taken where overexposure arises from an absence of care. All healthcare facilities adhere strictly to this and much concern is given to avoid repeat exposures, unnecessary high-dose techniques etc. The author is correct to highlight that risks exist and some of the possible screening techniques such as whole body CT have the potential to deliver high radiation doses. All radiation doses in the UK must be in accordance with conditions such as clinical need, minimum dose techniques etc. A lot of research has been done in this area and bodies such as the HSE, HPA etc are very active in this field.”