A computerised (axial) tomography scan (CT scan) involves exposure to radiation in the form of X-rays. In excessive amounts, X-ray radiation can increase your risk of getting cancer. However, the amount of radiation you are exposed to during a CT scan is very small. The amount of radiation you are exposed to is safe and is not enough to cause any harm.
If you are advised to have a CT scan to diagnose a condition or to check symptoms of a known medical condition, the benefits of having the scan will outweigh any potential risk.
If you have a CT scan to diagnose a condition or to check symptoms of a known medical condition, the benefits of this will outweigh any potential risk. In this situation, CT scans are quick and accurate, and often eliminate the need for invasive surgery.
However, if you are asymptomatic (have no symptoms), the benefits of having a CT scan are less clear and may not outweigh the risks, especially as it may lead to further unnecessary testing and added anxiety.
CT scans are not 100% accurate. There is a chance that the test may be wrong, causing you to be needlessly alarmed or falsely reassured. Around 1 in 20 abnormal cases may be missed from a highly sensitive CT scan.
The possible benefits and risks of having a CT scan should always be weighed up before you choose to have one. It is recommended that you only have a scan on the basis of a medical referral.
Pregnant women and children
Pregnant women should not have CT scans as there is a small risk that X-rays may cause an abnormality to the unborn child. Tell your doctor if you think there is a chance that you may be pregnant before having a scan.
Children are more at risk than adults from a build-up of radiation doses and should only have a CT scan if it is justified by a serious condition that puts them at a higher risk.
Complications
In rare cases, the contrast medium used before CT scans can cause an allergic reaction. Tell the radiologist if you have had an allergic reaction to iodine or a contrast dye in the past, or if you have any other allergies.
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