AAPM Issues Position Statement Recommending Alternatives to Bismuth Shielding for CT Scans

The American Association of Physicists in Medicine has issued a position statement (pdf) recommending providers seek alternatives to the use of bismuth shielding for reducing the dose from CT to anterior radiosensitive organs, such as the breast, eye lens and thyroid.

Advertisement

 

In the statement, AAPM discusses disadvantages associated with the use of bismuth shields, such as unpredictable and potentially undesirable levels of dose and image quality, degraded image quality and accuracy, and the waste of some of the patient’s radiation exposure

 

AAPM then discusses alternative techniques that do not have these disadvantages, including adjusting automatic exposure controls parameters and the use of organ-based tube current modulation techniques.

 

“AAPM recommends that these alternatives to bismuth shielding be carefully considered, and implemented when possible,” according to the statement.

 

Related Articles on CT Scans:

11 Popular Tools in Telemedicine

House Bill Would Require CMS to Cover Virtual Colonoscopies for Colon Cancer Screenings

ECRI Institute White Paper Discusses CT Technology, Dosage Safety

At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Advertisement

Next Up in Uncategorized

Advertisement

Comments are closed.