Medical Radiation Calculator

Calculate radiation exposure from medical imaging procedures and compare to background levels

Calculate Medical Radiation Dose

Procedure Type

Select the type of medical imaging procedure

Specific Procedure

Choose the specific procedure you had or will have

Number of Exams

How many times will you have this procedure

Radiation Exposure Results

0.100

Total Dose (mSv)

12 days

Background Equivalent

1.6%

of annual US average (6.2 mSv/year)

3.2%

of natural background (3.1 mSv/year)

Procedure: Chest X-ray

Dose per exam: 0.100 mSv

Total exams: 1

Medical Disclaimer

These are typical radiation dose estimates. Actual doses may vary based on patient size, equipment, and technique. The benefits of accurate medical diagnosis typically outweigh radiation risks. Consult your healthcare provider about any concerns.

Risk Assessment

✅ Very low radiation exposure. Minimal risk.

Example Calculation

CT Chest Scan Example

Procedure: CT Chest

Radiation dose per scan: 7 mSv

Number of exams: 1

Total radiation dose: 7 mSv

Interpretation

• Equivalent to 2.3 years of natural background radiation

• 112.9% of annual US average radiation exposure

• 225.8% of natural background radiation per year

• Moderate exposure level - benefits typically outweigh risks

Common Radiation Doses

Chest X-ray0.1 mSv

Mammography0.4 mSv

CT Head2 mSv

CT Chest7 mSv

CT Abdomen10 mSv

PET Scan7 mSv

Radiation Safety

•

Medical imaging benefits usually outweigh radiation risks

•

ALARA principle: As Low As Reasonably Achievable

•

Keep a record of your medical imaging history

•

Discuss alternatives with your healthcare provider

•

Avoid unnecessary repeat examinations

Understanding Medical Radiation

What is Medical Radiation?

Medical radiation refers to ionizing radiation used in medical procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. This includes X-rays, CT scans, nuclear medicine, and interventional procedures that use radiation to create images or treat diseases.

Types of Medical Imaging

•X-rays: Quick, low-dose 2D imaging
•CT scans: Detailed cross-sectional images
•Nuclear medicine: Radioactive tracers from inside body
•Fluoroscopy: Real-time moving images

Radiation Units

Millisievert (mSv): Unit of effective radiation dose

Background radiation: 3.1 mSv/year naturally occurring

Risk Perspective

< 1 mSv: Minimal risk (chest X-ray, dental X-ray)

1-10 mSv: Low risk (CT head, mammography)

10-50 mSv: Moderate risk (CT abdomen, cardiac procedures)

> 50 mSv: Higher risk (multiple procedures, interventions)

Remember: Medical imaging is prescribed when the diagnostic or therapeutic benefit significantly outweighs the radiation risk.