Evidence-based Guidelines Needed on the Use of CT Scanning in Japan

The increasing use of medical radiation, especially in diagnostic computed tomography (CT) scanning, has raised many concerns over the possible adverse effects of procedures performed without a serious risk versus benefit consideration, particularly in children. The growth in the number of CT scanning installations and usage, some new and unprecedented applications, the relatively wide variation of radiation doses applied by different radiological facilities, and the worrisome estimations of increased cancer incidence in more susceptible organs of children all point to the need for a clear specification of evidence-based guidelines to help limit and control the amount of radiation doses the Japanese population is being exposed to through medical diagnostic imaging technologies. Recommendations have already been issued on how to reduce the exposure dose to the minimum required especially in pediatric CT but more work is needed to establish good practice principles by the medical community through determination of more reasonable indications to request CT scanning.