Consumers can avoid many radiation risks from medical tests

Some experts recommend that people keep a diary of any tests they or their children get involving radiation, because risk accumulates over a lifetime.

Here are questions for any doctor who recommends a computed tomography, or CT scan:

— How will my medical care be affected by the results? Will the scan determine my treatment?

— What about alternatives like ultrasound or MRIs?

— How about just waiting? What are the risks of not doing the test?

— Does any research show this test will help me or lessen my chances of dying?

— Is this being done to diagnose a specific problem? (CT scans for people with no symptoms are not recommended).

— Is more than one scan truly necessary?

— Is the facility accredited by the American College of Radiology?

— What is being done to make sure I receive the lowest possible radiation dose?

— Does this centre regularly do scans on children and follow guidelines for adjusting doses to reduce radiation?

Sources: Associated Press interviews with radiation experts.