Report Summary
Title: | Evaluation of Computed Tomography Radiation Monitoring in Veterans Health Administration Facilities | |
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Report Number: | 16-03920-197 |
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Issue Date: | 4/11/2017 | |
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VA Office: | Veterans Health Administration (VHA) |
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Report Author: | Office of Healthcare Inspections |
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Report Type: | Healthcare Inspections |
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Release Type: | Unrestricted | |
Summary: |
The VA Office of Inspector General Office completed a healthcare evaluation of computed tomography (CT) radiation monitoring in Veterans Health Administration facilities. The purpose of the evaluation was to determine whether facilities complied with selected Veterans Health Administration radiation safety requirements. CT combines a series of x-ray images to create cross-sectional images of the body. Sophisticated computers process the data to generate three-dimensional CT images of the inside of the body that can reveal the presence of disease or injury. CT scans are extremely helpful in diagnosing serious injuries to the head, chest, abdomen, spine, and pelvis. CT scans can also pinpoint the size and location of tumors. However, CT scans also contribute significantly to the amount of total patient radiation exposure and could result in the development of future cancers. For this reason, clinicians should eliminate avoidable exposure. |