Radiation Safety

What is Radiation?

Radiation is energy used in medicine to diagnose and treat diseases, such as with X-rays, which allow doctors to see inside your body and better understand your health.

While the use of radiation is essential for your care, we always work to keep exposure to a minimum, especially for younger or pregnant patients. Our goal is to use it safely while providing you with the best possible diagnosis and treatment.

How does Beaumont Hospital ensure my safety during procedures that use radiation?

Beaumont Hospital have strict safety systems in place, and our highly trained staff follow national standards. All our equipment is regularly checked to ensure it’s functioning safely. We also use the lowest possible radiation dose to get accurate results, keeping your health and safety our top priority throughout your care.

Is it safe to have an X-ray during pregnancy?

Yes, most X-rays exams use very low levels of radiation, making the risk to your baby extremely small. For example, a chest X-ray gives off about the same amount of radiation as two days of natural background radiation exposure (0.02 mSv radiation dose). This is considered safe. Even a long flight exposes you to similar radiation levels. If your doctor recommends an X-ray, it is because the benefits of the scan are greater than any potential risk to you or your baby.

How can I help ensure my safety during X-rays?

You can take two important steps:

Inform your doctor: Let your doctor or the radiographer about any medical conditions, such as if you might be pregnant or have concerns about radiation exposure.
Share your imaging history: Tell your doctor if you’ve had any previous X- rays or scans. This helps them manage your overall exposure to radiation and make informed decisions about your care.

If you have concerns or questions, especially about radiation during pregnancy, talk to your healthcare provider.