Digital Radiography: Computed Tomography (CT) has been one of the most important diagnostic imaging 
modalities. However, the use of CT has been raising concerns regarding its side effects, such as radiation over dose exposure and risk of cancer. A recent article, published in New England Journal of Medicine, discussed the overuse of diagnostic imaging devices and noted how the average dose of radiation has increased in the United States in recent years.
Although CT represents a powerful diagnostic tool that doctors are using to diagnose a wide range of diseases, it delivers high doses of radiation more than conventional X-ray procedures. Exposure for such high doses can result in serious complications, such as cancer. The US Food and Drug administration (FDA) and Congress are discussing new guidelines to reduce medical mistakes including delivering radiation overdose to patients while conducting diagnostic images. Statistics note that 10 percent of the population in the US undergoes a CT scan, while the number of CT scans is increasing by more than 10% per year. Dr. Rebecca Smith-Bindman, a radiologist at the University of California at San Francisco, said "That's really the area we should focus on,"
Currently, there are no guidelines controlling the doses of radiation delivered while performing CT scans. In a study conducted by Dr. Smith-Bindman, it was found that 13-fold variation in the doses that patients in California hospitals were receiving for the same type of CT scan. Dr. Smith-Bindman commented "The doses are much higher and much more variable than people realize" she added "It's time to make it safer."