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    The information contained on the RemakeHealth website and its blog is provided for your general information only. RemakeHealth does not give medical advice or engage in the practice of medicine. RemakeHealth under no circumstances recommends a particular treatment or test for specific individuals and in all cases recommends that you consult your physician before pursuing any course of treatment or test.

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    Tell me about radiation exposure when getting an X-ray or CT scan

    Posted by John Holden on Mon, Oct 12, 2009
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    radiology radiation ct scan xrayRadiology tests are frequently used to detect and monitor many diseases.  Many patients have questions about the effects of radiation received from Radiology tests. CT scans, X-ray, PET scans, Mammograms, DEXA scans, and Fluoroscopy exams (like a barium swallow) all use radiation to help generate images of the body's internal organs. CT scan use has rapidly accelerated over the last few years and patients should be informed about the potential effects of medical radiation.
     
    Below is a short video featuring Dr. Kenneth Chin who is a Radiologist. He answers many of common questions about medical radiation. The questions (in order) are listed below for your reference. You can also keep track and understand more about radiation by using the iphone Radiation Passport application.
     
    • What are some radiology or radiation myths?
    • Can I get cancer from an X-ray?
    • If a woman finds a lump in her breast, does that mean she has breast cancer?
    • Is all radiation dangerous?
    • Will receiving radiation cause me to be radioactive?
    • Will I become sterile if I get an X-ray?



    Diagnostic Radiology: Radiation

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    My doctor ordered a DEXA Scan for me. What is a DEXA Scan?

    Posted by Ravi Sohal on Fri, Nov 21, 2008
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    Dexa scanDEXA stands for Dual Energy X-ray Absorpitometry . DEXA scans (aka bone densitometry) are medical imaging tests that physicians use to diagnose osteoporosis by measuring bone mineral density. DEXA uses low dose ionizing radiation and computers to measure the strength of your bones and calculate a personalized risk for fracture. A DEXA scan can measure the bone mineral in the spine, hips, forearm or heel.

    DEXA scans are ordered for people who:

    • Fracture bones after minor trauma (fall)
    • Have a thyroid or parathyroid condition
    • Are on steroid therapy (long-term)
    • Have kidney or liver disease
    • Are type 1 diabetics
    • Are post-menopausal women

    What to do before your DEXA scan:

    It helps to be prepared in advance of your appointment time. You will need to get a Radiology referral or prescription from your doctor. Check to make sure the facility you choose takes your insurance plan.  Get preparation instructions from the facility’s staff in advance. Do not take any calcium supplements 24 hours before your DEXA Scan test appointment. Our Radiology Search tool will help you find a Radiology center and learn more about your local imaging services (if you don’t find an imaging center in your area, please let us know).

    What to expect during and after your DEXA Scan:

    • The DEXA scan appointment may take up to 30 minutes. Plan accordingly.
    • You will be asked to either lie down on a table for the scan or put your hand/foot into a small box. 
    • You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire. This will help in determining your fracture risk.
    • A physician Radiologist will interpret the DEXA Scan. A report is sent to your doctor.

    Have you had a DEXA Scan? Is there a center you’d recommend? Leave your comments below.

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