The Conference of
Radiation Control Program Directors (CRCPD) discourages patients
without symptoms from obtaining Computed Tomography (CT) Scans until
scientific studies demonstrate that they are effective in reducing
disease or mortality.
The CRCPD passed a resolution based upon current information on the
growing business of providing CT scans to individuals who are
asymptomatic (have no disease symptoms). CRCPD is a national
organization whose primary membership includes individuals in state
and local government who regulate the use of radioactive material
and radiation sources. The members agree that CT can be a
useful diagnostic tool when a person has signs or symptoms of some
particular disease. CT can also be extremely helpful in
determining the extent of some diseases and monitoring the effects
of treatment. However, no scientific studies have demonstrated
that CT screening of individuals without symptoms provides a greater
probability of benefit than harm.
The resolution indicated that the potential risks of CT scans for an
individual included false positives, false negatives, and increased
possibility of cancer induction from X-ray exposure during the scan.
Although these risks are inherent in any CT scan, there would have
been no medical recommendation to obtain the scan for asymptomatic
individuals. A typical CT examination may only increase the
possibility of fatal cancer by 1 in 2000 compared to the natural
incidence in the United States of about 1 in 5. When not
medically indicated, even this small increase in
radiation-associated cancer can become a public health concern if
many individuals obtain CT scans or if an individual obtains
numerous CT scans during their lifetime.
CRCPD members agreed that they should actively discourage
self-referral CT screening through the application of individual
state authority and require all CT scans be specifically ordered and
authorized by a physician after a medical consultation. In
addition, CRCPD supports the application of a quality assurance
program for every CT machine to ensure that good imaging technique
is used to help avoid unnecessary radiation exposure.
CT Inspection
Checklist for State regulators
(July 2012)
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More about CT
 Computed Tomography Dose
Management trifold, CRCPD Pub. E-10-4. This trifold contains the
CRCPD Board of Directors Position regarding CT
protocols, recommends that each facility establish a CT Dose
Management Committee, and defines the responsibilities of the CT
Dose Management
Committee.
Example
CT Dose Log. Written logs ensure consistency and aid in the
ongoing review process. An example CT Dose Log is provided to
aid facilities in recording the CT dose information
 Whole-body CT screening article in
February 10, 2003 Oncology Times
CRCPD Survey of CT Screening
[3/15/03]
CRCPD Board
Position relating to Computed Tomography Protocol Reviews
[10/09] 
Background
Information Re Self-Referred Whole-Body Computed Tomography
Screening
(by CRCPD H-3 Committee on Medical Practice [3/15/03]
CRCPD Resolution on CT Scanning
FDA
on CT scans
FDA
Brochure on Full-Body Scans,
What
You
Need to Know
NEXT
2000 Protocol for Survey of Computed Tomography
February 2001
Q.A.
Collectible:
Computed Tomography Fluoroscopy.
This
Collectible provides a brief description of CT fluoroscopy and lists
important radiation safety inspection objectives.
October 1998
Q.A.
Collectible:
Developing a
Technique Chart for a CT System C - Why
is it Important?
This collectible includes an example of exposure
differences using different techniques.
25
Years of NEXT Trifold
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