HomeNewsORANGE CITY AREA HEALTH SYSTEM PLEDGES TO “IMAGE GENTLY”

ORANGE CITY AREA HEALTH SYSTEM PLEDGES TO “IMAGE GENTLY”

Color Coding for Kids minimizes radiation in CT scans

There’s no question that CT scans can save kids’ lives. But radiation matters, especially when it comes to pediatric imaging. Orange City Area Health System (OCAHS) has made a commitment to “Image Gently,” using not only specific techniques to minimize radiation dose, but also using the latest technology and software. The health system’s GE Brightspeed CT scanner uses “Color Coding for Kids,” a unique technology that delivers up to 40% reduction in radiation dose along the entire body with no compromise in image quality. According to Darin Blankespoor, Radiology Manager for OCAHS, “This technology, and the protocols, help us conform to the standard radiation safety principle ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).” In addition, the OCAHS team of radiologic technologists have made the “Image Gently” pledge, committing that “every imaging study in pediatric patients is thoughtful, appropriate, and indicated for each and every child.” CT (Computerized Tomography) is a valuable tool for diagnosing injury and disease, explains Blankespoor, and ultimately improves patient outcomes. According to Image Gently — the awareness campaign by the Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging — the radiation used in X-rays and CT scans has been compared to the background radiation (in soil, rocks, air, water, and other sources) that we are exposed to daily. But the new technology, software, and protocols help ensure that children are exposed to the smallest amount of radiation possible during an imaging study. In addition to the Image Gently pledge, the Orange City Area Health System medical team has committed to the “Image Wisely” standards for adult CT scans. For more information about the diagnostic imaging tools at Orange City Area Health System, including the Womens Imaging Center, visit ocHealthSystem.org, go to Services – Diagnostic Imaging.