National Imaging Associates (NIA) has developed an algorithm using methodology suggested by the Food and Drug Administration for determining a patient's lifelong accumulation of absorbed ionizing radiation. NIA uses claim information provided by Arkansas Blue Cross and its affiliates in this measurement process.*
The mili-Sievert (mSv) is the most common scientific unit of measure of absorbed ionizing radiation. Chest, abdomen or pelvis CTs will typically expose one to between 8 - 10 mSv**. Studies by the National Academies of Sciences' estimate that an accumulated ionizing radiation dose of 10 mSv will increase the risk of developing certain cancers or leukemia to 1 in 1000 for adult men. A dose of 100 mSv will increase that risk to 1 in 100.
| Relative Radiation Level | Ionized Radiation Dose | Example Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| None | 0 | Ultrasound, MRI |
| Minimal | 0.1 mSv | Chest or hand radiographs |
| Low | .01 - 1 mSv | Pelvis radiographs, mammography |
| Medium | 1 - 10 mSv | Adbdomen CT, barium enema, nuclear medicine bone scan |
| High | 10-100 mSv | Adbomen CT with and without contrast, whole body PET |
* Claim data is provided to National Imaging Associate from Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, Health Advantage and Blue Advantage. Based on that claim information, National Imaging Associates (NIA)returns measurement data two times per year. If a claim has not been filed, was not paid, or has not yet been sent to NIA, or if the patient has had a lapse in coverage or the employer group has opted not to participate in this program, there may be information on exposure to ionized radiation that is not factored into this calculation. If you see that recent medical imaging has not been factored into the score, please check the date provided in the alert to determine if service dates are included in the latest measures.
** The end user should be aware that there is an age and sex variable regarding adverse organ tissue effects from ionizing radiation. Typically children and women (breast and ovaries) are more radiosensitive. It is estimated that it may take upwards of 15 to 20 years before the increased risk of cancer becomes manifest.