Ways to reduce X-ray risks

ROCKVILLE, Md., March 6 (UPI) -- Consumers can reduce the risks and costs of excessive X-rays, a U.S. physicist says.

Capt. Thomas Ohlhaber of the U.S. Public Health Service -- who serves as deputy director of the Food and Drug Administration's division of mammography quality and radiation programs -- describes X-rays as one of medicine's most remarkable achievements. Before they were available, finding out what was wrong medically might require exploratory surgery, Ohlhaber says.

Today, patients can be quickly assessed and treated because "within a few minutes you can be X-rayed, often with a sophisticated computed tomography, or 'CT' unit," Ohlhaber says in a statement.

However, there are ways consumers can reduce X-ray risks and costs -- such as avoiding duplications by using a record card.

"Just as you may keep a list of your medications with you when visiting the doctor, keep a list of your imaging records, including dental X-rays," says Ohlhaber. "An X-ray record card you can keep in your wallet can be found at the Web site: fda.gov/cdrh/consumer/record_card.pdf."

The FDA wallet card lists other ways to reduce radiation risk including:

-- Not refusing an X-ray if there's a clear need for it.

-- Not insisting on an X-ray if the doctor says it's not necessary.

-- Asking if a protective shield can be used for you or your child.

-- Telling the doctor if you are, or might be pregnant.