Raising awareness of radiation safety to protect yourself and your family

In the rapid development of modern medical technology, scanning has become an important tool for diagnosing diseases. According to the latest statistics from the Hong Kong Hospital Authority, more than 50 tests were conducted in Hong Kong in 2022, which equates to about 1,400 people being scanned every day. While this test provides accurate imaging data, it can also expose subjects to ionizing radiation. The radiation dose on a chest scan is about 7 millisieverts, which is equivalent to 2 to 3 times the radiation dose that the average person receives from the natural environment each year. Therefore, raising radiation safety awareness is not only the responsibility of medical professionals, but also a health issue that every citizen should pay attention to. In particular, when undergoing a referral check, such as an HA referral, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of the associated risks and safeguards.

Understanding the Purpose and Process of Inspection

Before undergoing a CT scan, the most important task is to fully understand the need for the examination and the specific process. Many patients develop unnecessary anxiety or blindly refuse the necessary tests due to unfamiliarity with medical procedures. In fact, doctors recommend CT scans based on clear medical needs, such as investigating tumors, assessing trauma severity, and monitoring treatment effects. According to the guidelines of the Hong Kong Department of Radiology, patients have the right to ask their doctor the following important questions: Why do I need this test? Are there alternatives (such as ultrasound or MRI)? What is the expected radiation dose? How long does the inspection process take? Do I need to inject a contrast agent? The answers to these questions not only help patients make informed decisions, but also help reduce fear caused by information asymmetry.

Inform your doctor about your medical history and the use of medications

Detailed medical history information is an important part of ensuring the safety of CT scans. Patients should take the initiative to provide the following information to doctors and radiologists: Whether there is a history of allergies (especially iodine contrast allergy). renal function status (contrast agents may affect renal function); history of thyroid disease (iodine in contrast agents may affect thyroid function); Are you pregnant or may become pregnant? A list of medications currently taking (especially the diabetes drug metformin). This information helps the healthcare team assess the risk and take preventive measures accordingly. For example, patients with kidney failure may need early rehydration therapy, while patients with thyroid problems may need to monitor thyroid function after testing. For patients who need to be tested, it is more important to inform them of their thyroid-related medical history in detail, as these two tests may have a synergistic effect.

Avoid repeating checks

Repeated radiological examinations are one of the main radiation exposure risks faced by the general public. According to data from the Hong Kong Hospital Authority, about 15% of CT scans may be unnecessary re-examinations. The reasons for this include the patient's failure to submit previous examination records when visiting different hospitals. The doctor did not fully review the patient's historical information. or lack of information sharing mechanisms between medical institutions. To avoid unnecessary radiation exposure, the patient can take the following measures: create a personal medical profile and record all imaging tests undertaken. Actively provide past inspection reports at each visit. Ask your doctor about the need for new tests. In the Hong Kong public hospital system, HA referrals are typically recorded centrally, but information sharing between private institutions still requires active patient coordination. Of particular note is the need for follow-up CT examinations for thyroid-related tests, such as after aspiration, should also be carefully evaluated to avoid multiple radiation exposures in a short period of time.

Cooperate with medical staff instructions

During CT scan, the degree of cooperation of the patient directly affects the examination effect and radiation dose control. Once in the scanroom, the radiologist will help you adjust to the correct position based on the examination site. Common indications include lying flat on the examination table and staying still. Inhale, hold, and exhale as directed (especially important during chest and abdominal scans). Avoid sudden movements (the image may be blurry and require a rescan). During tests that require contrast injection, you may feel a fever all over your body and a metallic smell in your mouth, but if you have difficulty breathing or severe discomfort, tell the staff immediately. The entire scanning process usually takes only 10-30 minutes, and the actual radiation exposure time is only a few tens of seconds, but the preparation work may be long. Following the instructions of the medical staff not only provides high-quality images, avoids repeated scans, but also allows for effective control of radiation dose.

Use of radiation protection equipment

Although modern CT machines are already equipped with a variety of radiation dose optimization techniques, the use of traditional protective devices is still an important means of reducing unnecessary radiation exposure. Standard radiation protection equipment includes a lead apron (to protect the major organs of the torso), a thyroid shield (to protect the thyroid gland, which is especially important during a neck scan), a lead-glass eye mask (to protect the lenses), and a gonadal shield (to protect the reproductive organs). Note that the use of protective equipment should be adjusted according to the location of the examination - the protection of the non-inspected area should be covered as much as possible, but if the protective equipment obscures the target area, it should not be used to avoid affecting the diagnostic quality. The Radiation Hygiene Division of the Hong Kong Health Bureau recommends that all radiology departments provide appropriate protective equipment for patients, especially children and people of childbearing age. Patients have the right to request the use of these devices of their own volition, especially when undergoing referral tests such as HA referrals.

Drink plenty of water to speed up metabolism

After a CT scan, proper care can help your body recover faster and reduce the potential effects of radiation. Drinking enough fluids will speed up the excretion of contrast dye and reduce the burden on the kidneys, so the most important recommendation is to drink plenty of water. The Hong Kong Association of Radiographers recommends drinking at least 2-3 liters of water within 24 hours after the examination (unless there are medical restrictions). Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages as they can cause dehydration. Observe the amount and color of urine to ensure normal urination. In people with normal kidney function, about 90% of the contrast agent is excreted in the urine within 24 hours. In addition, proper supplementation with antioxidant foods can also help reduce oxidative stress caused by radiation, such as fruits rich in vitamin C (kiwi, oranges) and lycopene-rich foods (ripe tomatoes, watermelon). If you have a CT scan after the test, keep in mind that you should pay special attention to the condition of your thyroid gland and follow up according to your doctor's instructions.

Pay attention to your body's reaction

Most people do not experience significant discomfort after undergoing a CT scan, but you should still pay attention to possible reactions. Common mild reactions include temporary pain or burning at the contrast injection site. mild headache or nausea; Temporary taste change (metallic taste). These symptoms usually go away on their own within a few hours. Unusual reactions to look out for include pain and swelling that persistently worsens. rash or itching (possible allergic reaction to contrast agents). difficulty breathing or chest tightness; Urine output decreases significantly (may indicate an effect on kidney function). The Hong Kong Health Bureau recommends that if you experience a serious reaction, you should seek medical attention immediately and inform your doctor that you have recently had a CT scan. In rare cases, contrast agents can affect thyroid function, and it is particularly noteworthy that patients with pre-existing thyroid problems or those who have just undergone examination should be closely monitored for associated symptoms.fna甲狀腺

Saving Inspection Reports

Proper storage of CT scan reports and imaging data is an important part of long-term health care. These records not only help doctors track changes in their condition, but also help them avoid unnecessary repeat examinations in the future. Ideally, patients should: Request a CD of the inspection report and images or obtain an electronic copy. Create a personal health profile and organize all your image reports in chronological order. Carry relevant information with you for each visit, especially if you are referred to another medical institution. In the Hong Kong healthcare system, HA referral records are usually kept in the HA's integrated electronic system, but it is still important for patients to keep copies of them. For patients with thyroid disease, when both the report and CT scan results are available, a comparison between the two often provides more comprehensive diagnostic information. Additionally, keeping long-term records can help physicians assess cumulative radiation dose, especially for patients with chronic conditions that require multiple imaging tests.

Avoid unnecessary X-rays

In daily life, the first principle to reduce medical radiation exposure is to avoid unnecessary X-rays. Many routine tests, such as chest X-rays at employment and school health checks, actually have limited value in screening for healthy people. According to the Hong Kong Association of Radiologists, about 20 percent of X-rays may not be medically necessary. Consumers can adopt the following strategies: ask the doctor about the clear purpose and irreplaceable potential of the test. For tests that are not particularly urgent, ask for a second opinion. Learn about alternatives such as ultrasound and MRI (these tests do not use ionizing radiation). Be cautious with dental X-rays, although the single dose is small, the cumulative effect is still noteworthy. It is important to note that the thyroid gland in particular is sensitive to radiation, and it is necessary to ensure that the thyroid gland is properly protected during neck x-rays.

Use electronics wisely

While the nature of non-ionizing radiation produced by everyday electronic products differs from medical radiation, developing proper usage habits can still benefit your overall health. Radiation sources to which modern people are exposed in their daily lives include radio frequency radiation produced by mobile phone communications. Wi-Fi routers and Bluetooth devices. Microwave ovens and various electrical appliances. While the radiation intensity of these devices is within safety standards, it is prudent to reduce unnecessary exposure. Practical suggestions include using headphones or speakers to make calls and reduce the time the phone touches your head directly. Do not keep your phone in your pocket for too long, especially near your genitals. Do not place your phone next to your pillow while sleeping. Choose electronics that meet safety standards. It's important to note that while these precautions are not directly related to the ionizing radiation of CT scans, they reflect a comprehensive perception of radiation protection.

Pay attention to food safety

Dietary choices can also affect the body's sensitivity and resilience to radiation. Although radiation levels in food are generally low under strict regulations in Hong Kong, certain food ingredients can help the body fight radiation damage. Antioxidant-rich foods help neutralize free radicals produced by radiation, such as citrus fruits and leafy greens, which are rich in vitamin C. Nuts and seeds rich in vitamin E. Carrots and pumpkins rich in carotenoids. Additionally, iodine-containing foods such as kelp and iodized salt can help maintain thyroid health and reduce the potential effects of radioactive iodine on the thyroid gland. The Hong Kong Centre for Food Safety regularly publishes food radiology testing data, which consumers can refer to to make informed choices. It should be noted that dietary protection can only be used as an adjunctive measure and does not replace formal medical radiation protection measures.

Raising awareness of radiation protection and protecting one's own health

Radiation protection is an ongoing process that requires the joint efforts of doctors and patients. From the moment you agree to undergo a CT scan to long-term health management after the examination, every step requires active participation and informed decision-making. As a region with high medical standards, Hong Kong has established a relatively comprehensive radiation safety regulatory system, including strict equipment quality control standards, training requirements for medical staff, and dose recording systems. However, no matter how perfect the system is, it also requires the cooperation and awareness of the patient. Whether it's a routine HA referral or a more specialized examination, patients should be willing to ask questions, fully understand and actively participate in the decision-making process. By incorporating radiation safety awareness into your daily life and medical decision-making, you can not only enjoy the benefits of medical technology but also minimize potential risks, truly protecting your own and your family's health in the long term.

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