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Answer to Question #1977 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"Category: Medical and Dental Patient Issues — Diagnostic X Ray and CT The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field: Q
How many x rays are taken and what is the total radiation exposure in a typical barium swallow upper gastrointestinal with small bowel follow-through exam? I had one at the age of 12 and just recently had another. How much does this increase the risk of developing cancer?
A
The number of films for these tests can vary significantly, especially if something unusual is seen on the films or during fluoroscopy. One reference in the literature, which includes 5,000 patient dose measurements from 375 hospitals, indicates that for the barium swallow, 24 images and 106 seconds of fluoroscopy are used on average (Wall and Hart 1997). This reference suggests that for the small bowel follow-through, four images and another 78 seconds of fluoroscopy are used. Combined, the effective radiation dose for this procedure is about 0.45 rem (4.5 mSv). Risk at this level, if any, is very small. According to Dr. Eric Hall, a radiation biologist, "there is no direct evidence that small doses of radiation, similar to those received in diagnostic radiology, cause harmful effects in the persons who are exposed" (Hall 1994). As a comparison, we are all exposed to naturally occurring radiation—what we refer to as "natural background." Each year, we each receive about 0.36 rem (3.6 mSv) from background radiation exposure. Kelly Classic References:
Editor's Note: Very good discussions on the risk from medical exposures can be found under "Risk/Benefit of Medical Radiation Exposures" and "Benefits of Medical Radiation Exposures" in the "Ask the Experts" section of the Health Physics Society's Web site.
Answer posted on 8 July 2002. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.
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