New tech reduces radiation exposure

Ulster Hospital has become the first hospital in Ireland and one of the first in the UK to introduce pioneering new technology, which dramatically reduces the amount of radiation patients undergoing a CT scan are exposed to, reveals Irish Health.com.

The new CT imaging technology, known as 'iDose', reduces radiation exposure by up to 50%. CT scans are used to look at the body's internal structures. They provide much more detailed results than an ordinary X-ray.

According to the hospital, the public has recently become more aware of the risks associated with diagnostic radiation. Ionising radiation has been linked to a low but recognised risk of cancer, so radiologists have been working towards reducing the transfer of such radiation to patients during scans.

Irish health minister Edwin Poots visited the Ulster Hospital in Belfast for a briefing on the technology, reports the Belfast Telegraph.

“In this short demonstration, I have been very impressed by this new technology and service which is at the cutting edge of science and enhancing patient experiences,” he said.

“This new CT scanner hardware, which represents an investment of £100 000, allows patients the assurance that they are exposed to 50% less radiation than was previously the case, thus addressing patient concerns about future potential health consequences deriving from exposure to radiation.”

It's hoped the new technology will greatly improve the patient experience, and ease concerns amid increased public awareness of the risks surrounding diagnostic radiation, says UTV News.

Dr Peter Ball, a consultant radiologist who was instrumental in the implementation of iDose in the Ulster Hospital, added: “As radiologists, we are acutely aware of the radiation dose our patients receive and make every attempt to minimise this exposure. iDose allows us to tailor our CT scanning protocols to each individual patient.”

Cardiac patient Glenn Ford has already used the new service and praised its use. “It made it much easier not having to undergo a more painful procedure of having a catheter inserted into my heart,” he said.