X-RAY MACHINES MAY SPREAD INFECTIONS IN THE ICU Poor infection control practices when using x-ray machines may lead to nosocomial infections in the ICU. In a new study, Israeli researchers observed 173, 113, and 120 ICU chest x-rays during observation, intervention, and follow-up periods, respectively.

Using iodinated contrast media in imaging scans has been linked to alterations in thyroid function, which in turn raises the risk of developing hyperthyroidism, researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, reported in Archives of Internal Medicine. The authors explained that iodinated contrast ...

An article in the January issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology summarizes methods for radiation dose optimization in pediatric computed tomography (CT) scans. Approximately seven to eight million CT examinations are performed for various pediatric clinical indications per year in the United States. Justification of clinical ...

Insurance status doesn't affect the quantity (or value) of imaging services received by patients in a hospital, in-patient setting, according to a study in the January issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology. Approximately 51 million Americans, or 16.7 percent of the population, were without health insurance ...

Scientists may have a way to double the efficacy and reduce the side effects of radiation therapy. Georgia Health Sciences University scientists have devised a way to reduce lung cancer cells' ability to repair the lethal double-strand DNA breaks caused by radiation therapy. "Radiation is a great therapy - the ...

With a score of 94.4 out of 100, Elekta's Leksell Gamma Knife® Perfexion™ is "practically perfect in every way," ranking at the top among six advanced radiation therapy systems, according to KLAS research firm's recently released customer survey, Radiation Therapy 2011: A Dose of New Technology. The Elekta Infinity™ radiation ...

Physicians who have a financial interest in imaging equipment are more likely to refer their patients for potentially unnecessary imaging exams, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). "Self-referral," whereby a non-radiologist physician orders imaging exams and directs patients to ...

Researchers have published the largest single patient population study to date on a method for following patients with retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filters - devices used to keep blood clots from traveling to the lungs. This study, which is important for individuals with IVC filters and their doctors, supports ...