Most U.S. Adults Get Tests Using Radiation

Up to 2 out of 3 U.S. adults had a test in the last few years that exposed them to radiation, researchers estimate. And for a smaller number of people, that may increase their risk of cancer. A new study looked at insurance claims for nearly 1 million adults under 65. For most people, radiation exposure was low. But for 20% who had exposure, the levels were moderate. And for 2% the exposure was high. About 71% of the tests were regular X-rays. But they contributed only 11% of the radiation from medical tests. About 21% of the tests were computed tomography (CT) scans or nuclear imaging. They provided 75% of total radiation. CT scans use far more radiation than regular X-rays. Nuclear imaging uses a small amount of radioactive materials. The study was in the New England Journal of Medicine. The Associated Press wrote about it August 27.