Radiation Safety
When faced with a medical imaging exam, it is natural to wonder about your exposure to radiation. However, it is important to understand that the clinical benefits of the exam usually outweigh any risks. Diagnostic Imaging Northwest is committed to the safety and well-being of our patients. That is why our physicians and staff have taken the pledge to Image Wisely®.
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Image Wisely at DINW Outpatient Locations
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Through the Image Wisely® program, physicians and staff at Diagnostic Imaging Northwest outpatient imaging centers pledge to put patient safety, health, and welfare first by optimizing all medical imaging exams. This means that our radiologists and staff use the lowest possible dose of radiation required to produce detailed, quality images. This approach helps limit your radiation exposure.
Medical imaging that expose us to low-doses of radiation include:
- Standard x-rays
- Mammography
- Fluoroscopy
- CT scans
- PET/CT scans
- Nuclear Medicine studies
- Note that MRI and Ultrasound imaging do not produce any radiation.
The exposure encountered during an imaging procedure varies. The exposure can be compared to that received over the course of one year from natural radiation in our environment, such as the air we breathe, the ground we walk on, and the food we eat. To learn more about how imaging exams compare, visit the American College of Radiology’s website.
We want to provide peace of mind and make you aware of the precautions we take and the advances in technology that allow us to lower your radiation exposure during your medical imaging exam without compromising quality.
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Concerned About Radiation?
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Before undergoing an imaging study ask your physician or health care provider:
- Why do I need this exam?
- How will having this exam improve my health care?
- Are there alternatives that do not use radiation, which are equally as good?
- Is the facility I am being referred to for diagnostic imaging accredited by the American College of Radiology?
- Will my child receive a child-sized radiation dose (for pediatric exams)?
The outpatient clinics managed by Diagnostic Imaging Northwest are accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The ACR only grants accreditation when an imaging center provides patients the highest level of image quality and patient safety.