Terming AIIMS Director, Dr. Randeep Guleria's statementson use of CT scans in the evaluation of Covid "misleading", the IndianRadiological and Imaging Association (IRIA) on Wednesday said that his warningthat one CT scan is equal to 300-400 x-rays and CT scans cause cancer is"outdated and wrong".
In a statement, IRIA President, Prof C. Amarnath, said:"Dr. Guleria, in his statement, had claimed that one CT chest (scan) isequal to 300-400 X-rays. This is a very retrograde situation and was thesituation 30-40 years ago. The modern CT scanners use ultra low dose CT whichhas radiation comparable to only 5-10 x-rays. Radiologists all over the worldfollow the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) and give theminimal radiation possible during the scan."
With the advent of low dose CT techniques and advancementin the software, the dose is reduced to one-third to one-fourth, and withultra-low dose CT scan, it can be reduced to one-tenth, he added.
Amarnath also contended that the medical investigationsand treatment are also analyzed based on the 'risk vs benefit ratio' and isvery clear in this case, that the benefits far outweigh the risk which isalmost non-existent.
"Also the statement that CT chest (scan) can causelung cancer is alarming. The radiation dose from a single CT chest is almostequivalent to the background radiation received by any person over ayear," he contended.
"At a time when the Covid-19 pandemic is creatinghavoc and we are trying to triage the patients and make use of the limitedmedical supplies to the best, such type of unscientific and irresponsiblestatements from such senior health authorities create confusion among thepublic and hampers Covid-19 treatment.
"During this raging Covid-19 pandemic, radiologistsand radiographers are putting their life at risk and are contributingsignificantly in this battle. IRIA is promoting the vaccination drive of thenation and also all precautions suggested by the Government of India. I alsosalute all the radiation workers who are working with the risk of Covid-19 andradiation," he said.