The risks of self-referral for body imaging are becoming more apparent, while the benefits remain unclear.

Computed tomography (CT) is a well-established technique for obtaining images of the body. It has many important diagnostic uses and the technology is getting ever more sophisticated. A new trend is the setting up of centers where patients can refer themselves for a CT scan, without a doctor recommendation.

Researchers at Stanford University Medical Center have been looking into the risks and benefits of self-referred scans. Supporters of the scans say they may detect early disease and give the individual a sense of control over their body. But the Stanford researchers say there are risks too. Exposure to x-rays during a whole body scan might be as high as two rads - the same as 250 chest x-rays. We also don't know what the impact of false-positives might be on the patient. They may worry unduly or have to undergo an unnecessary biopsy. It is time for some best practice guidelines to be drawn up, because self-referral scan centers are mushrooming. When the Stanford team gathered their research data, there were 88 such centers nationwide. Since then, another 48 centers have opened.

Source

Radiology August 2003