Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: thedoc on 22/04/2016 11:50:01

Title: How many X-rays is too many?
Post by: thedoc on 22/04/2016 11:50:01

Laura Ionescu asked the Naked Scientists:
   Its OK if I have 11 X-rays in 15 minutes ?
What do you think?

Title: Re: How many X-rays is too many?
Post by: alancalverd on 22/04/2016 16:35:46

Depends on what is being x-rayed and why. If you have a dental CBCT scan, the machine takes about 200 x-rays in 15 seconds, but the net dose is negligible. On the other hand, 15 minutes of cardiac fluoroscopy could result in a skin burn, but it will probably save your life.

All controllable radiation exposures have to be justified, comparing the calculable risk with the potential benefit.

What is the purpose of your 11 x-rays in 15 minutes?