Can ALARA principal be applied on non-ionizing imaging like Ultrasound (US) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)?
Is there any role of ALARA in US and MRI?
Yes, it can. There are no 100% proved that US Color Doppler can be safe for long time investigation in the early gestation. That is why it is recommended to do CD, PWD, duplex US for a short time in the first trimester of pregnancy.
It is assumed under the no threshold theory of ionizing radiation that any amount of ionizing radiation can cause damage and therefor should be kept to as low as reasonably achievable.
If we also assume no threshold for non-ionizing radiation (us, mri, etc) then ALARA would be appropriate - if there is a threshold (ie heating from us of fetus) then that threshold would be our upper limit and ALARA would not apply because you would have to reach that dose all at once for it to be of consequence.
I believe ALARA principle should be used in all kinds of energy using diagnostic systems, including ultrasound and MRI. If a device is malfunctioning, or not set up properly it can cause harm in long term. Doppler ultrasound use must be according to ALARA principle. It is also keep ALARA in all surgical interventions to prevent over treatment and surgical complications.
yes it can, practicing the AlARA principle ensures that the total ultrasound energy is maintained below a level at which bioeffects are generated while diagnostic information is preserved.
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