Ask the Pediatrician
Dr. Jennifer Shu and her team of pediatricians answer your health questions.
Nick
1/30/2013
Question
How many x-rays are safe for my child?
Answer
As many as your child’s physicians think necessary for diagnosis and follow-up, taking into account the benefit weighed against the (very small) risk.
Because the radiation doses from certain diagnostic procedures (eg, CT scans) are high, pediatricians are urged to request radiologic procedures only when necessary and to check to ensure that CT operators use settings appropriate for children.
Source: Pediatric Environmental Health, 3rd Edition (Copyright © American Academy of Pediatrics 2011)
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