Comparing Radiation Doses For Different Tests*
Comparing Radiation Doses For Different Tests*
Imaging Test |
Number of Chest X-Rays Needed to Get the Same Dose |
Time Needed to Get the Same Dose From the Environment |
|
Chest x-ray (from front to back) |
1 |
2.4 days |
|
An x-ray series of the lumbar spine |
75 |
84 days |
|
CT of the head |
100 |
243 days |
|
Coronary artery angiography during cardiac catheterization |
350–750 |
1.15–2.3 years |
|
CT of the abdomen |
300–400 |
3.3 years |
|
Mammography |
20 |
30–60 days |
|
*These doses account for how much radiation is delivered and how susceptible the body part exposed to radiation is to radiation damage. |
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CT = computed tomography. |
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