If a patient isn't safely protected, what are some of the harmful effects of radiation?

"Safety measures are in place to protect my patients from potential overexposure to radiation from the units that I work on. I make sure that the patient is protected according to standard based on the image that I am capturing. The new imaging units have come a very long way in limiting radiation exposure to both patients and us techs that are working on the machines. I am a firm believer that the benefits of medical imaging outweigh the risks just based off the number of lives that the machines save on a daily basis."

Share your knowledge of the dangers of radiation. There are certain questions you are required to ask every patient before you perform the imaging. Why? Well, if they are pregnant, the fetus is at risk for cancer and tumors. The patient can experience damage to their thyroid and there is a risk of cancer to them as well. Think about what you have learned about the body and how tissues in the body respond to radiation if they are exposed.

"Radiation has the power to both harm and heal and that is nowhere more evident than on imaging equipment. Studies have shown that repeated exposure can increase risk of cancer and x-rays are considered a carcinogen. Because of that, the safety protocols that are in place for patients are extremely important to follow."