Computed tomography, or CT, uses multiple and layered x-ray images called slices to create a complete three-dimensional image used to diagnosis conditions or disease and monitor therapies. Prior to marketing new imaging devices, manufacturers must conform to the Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act , or RCHSA, of 1968 and the Medical Device Amendments, or MDA to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1976 and 1990. To conform to these regulations, manufacturers have developed technical specification for CT scanners in compliance to federal code and radiation guidelines. The government also requires radiation limits on emissions from x-ray tube not exceeding an air kinetic energy released per unit mass of 0.26 micro gray units of radiation. To understand the small amounts of radiation a modern CT scanner generates, 5.0 or more gray units of radiation at one time results in radiation poisoning and death within 14 days. Most modern CT scanners fall below these recommendations, with radiation measurements as low as 0.1 to 0.5 microGy per scan. Writer Bio
