Patient Safety Initiatives and FRC's New High-Definition CT Scanners

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched a cooperative Initiative in March, 2010, to promote safe use of medical imaging devices; support informed clinical decision-making; and increase patient awareness.

Fairfax Radiological Consultants, P.C. (FRC), the largest private radiology practice in the Washington metropolitan area with more than 70 sub-specialized radiologists and 13 outpatient imaging facilities, is the first radiology practice in the region to offer revolutionary low-dose CT scans for all its patients.

FRC replaced all of its CT scanners with new low-dose CT scanners manufactured by GE Healthcare in 2009. This was done to provide all of FRC's patients with the lowest possible dose of radiation necessary for their particular CT scan.

FRC Conducts more than 43,000 CT scans of all types each year at its five CT Centers and has performed more than 30,000 CT scans to date using the new equipment. Based upon FRC's internal data, the new scanners have allowed for reduction in the radiation dose of between 47 and 66% for most types of scans, and up to 90% for other studies such as Cardiac CT Angiography (CCTA).

FRC will provide any needed consultation regarding CT scanning and radiation dose. For more information, call 1-888-4-LOW-DOSE (1-888-456-9367) to speak directly to a knowledgeable, professional technologist who can answer questions and address any concerns relative to CT scanning.

By contacting us at this number before arriving for a scheduled CT exam, we can estimate anticipated radiation exposure prior to the procedure. You can also call after a CT has been performed to learn the actual dosage received from the exam