Although computed Tomography (CT) has been one of the most important diagnostic imaging procedures, there is a 
increasing concern about its safety since it delivers much radiation then conventional X-ray. The concerns are even stronger when CT scans are carried out on children. Dr. Azam Eghbal, vice chair of radiology and radiology residency program director at Akron Children's Hospital, said that such concerns are good things; since they are indicating that more people are realizing the importance of this issue.
CT scans uses high radiation dose to generate 3D images of body organs. Dr. Eghbal said ''It definitely has advantages,'' continuing ''All these imaging studies definitely help the physicians to find out the diagnosis, and they help with the management.'' Yet, CT scans deliver much more radiation to patients during procedures than conventional X-ray. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that an average CT scan of head includes delivering radiation that is equivalent to the dose obtained from 100 X-rays to the patients during the procedure. Moreover, FDA added that studies noted that a patient with a single head CT scan has a 1-in-1,500 chance to develop cancer later as a result of radiation exposure. The latter statistics show the significance of the radiation cumulative effect. Dr. Eghbal commented ''The risk is very low, but definitely it's there and people have to be aware of it,''
Realizing the dangers of CT scans, radiologists at Akron Children's are reviewing the orders for CT scans to assess if there are other procedures, such as ultrasound or MRI, can be used instead as much safer techniques. In the same time, the patients themselves are asking for other tests than CT to undergo; Dr. Eghbal said ''They can easily say, 'Could this be done by ultrasound or MRI?' '' Adding ''Believe it or not, the majority of times, it can.''