Computed Tomography (CT) has been one of the most important diagnostic imaging techniques. However, there 
are raising concerns about its safety since it includes exposing patients to much higher radiation doses than conventional X-ray. Realizing such concerns, Siemens Healthcare announced the launch of Siemens Radiation Reduction Alliance (SIERRA), in addition to a panel of experts to enhance the efforts directed to reduce high radiation doses accompanied with CT scans.15 experts in radiology; cardiology and physics are included in the new Low Dose Expert Panel. The panel’s objective is to produce proposals for CT modality vendors to continue their researches to reduce radiation doses in their CT systems.
Sami Atiya, PhD, CEO, Computed Tomography, Siemens Healthcare, commented "Our aim as a leading innovator in the field of computed tomography is to reduce radiation exposure for all typical CT examinations below 2 mSv, which is as low as the average annual dose due to naturally occurring background radiation. We are committed to doing everything we can to help our customers reduce doses in CT without compromising the diagnostic quality of the examination in any way," he added "With this in mind, we want to work with experts to develop concrete proposals on dose reduction and, therefore, launched Siemens Radiation Reduction Alliance, SIERRA." He continued "One of our hopes for the Low Dose Expert Panel is that it will be able to generate concrete proposals as to how we might integrate existing technologies for dose reduction more effectively into clinical practice. Producing recommendations to guide manufacturers in their development of new innovations for dose reduction is another important goal for this panel,"
The Low Dose Expert Panel started its meeting in May. The panel has designed several actions in order to reduce radiation exposure from CT scans, such as determining a baseline for radiation doses for the most frequent 10 CT exams. U. Joseph Schoepf, MD, professor and director of CT Research and Development at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charlottesville, commented "Radiation dose from medical imaging has historically received much greater attention in Europe than in other parts of the world, where radiation exposure only recently has become a topic of discussion," he continued "On that background, Siemens has several decades of experience in the implementation of radiation reduction strategies and has a longstanding, successful track record of providing their customers with tools that deliver optimal image quality at the lowest possible radiation dose. Most of the technical features and mechanisms for radiation reduction which regulatory bodies currently consider making mandatory in the U.S. have been part of their standard portfolio and implemented in their products for many years. I am happy and proud to embark on this initiative together with Siemens and my colleagues from around the globe in order to ensure that these powerful tools are used to their fullest extent. With this endeavor we can make a difference and show to the world that we do get the message, that we can indeed change, and slash radiation dose without sacrificing diagnostic quality."
Cynthia McCollough, PhD, a medical physicist from Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., said "I see users operating CT scanners in everyday applications without taking full advantage of the possibilities available to them to strike the optimal balance between image quality and radiation dose. The answer, in my opinion, involves a significant amount of training across a wide range of areas. I want to see users at more and more institutions receive the advanced training they need in order to make best use of the options available, and this will be the main objective of my work on the panel," while Marilyn Siegel, MD, from the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology in St. Louis, commented saying that "We have made great advances in optimizing pediatric radiation doses, but dose reduction optimization remains a work in progress. Advances in technology and capabilities of CT scanners will continue to evolve and improve our ability to diagnose disease. These advances will mandate new scanning protocols and continuing education for users. By collaborating with industry, we can optimize CT scanning in children even further and continue to improve patient care. I am delighted to join Siemens in an initiative to develop protocols and integrate new technologies into clinical practice,"