Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Tests That Use Radiation

Ask Your Doctor

The following questions can help you talk to your doctor about your questions or concerns about a test that uses radiation recommended for you (such as nuclear imaging, CT scan, PET scan, or cardiac catheterization procedure)

Doctor talking to patients are explaining the treatment of a patient's illness
QUESTIONS FOR YOUR DOCTOR

Bring a list of questions to ask your doctor about tests that use radiation and their safety. 

  1. What information will this test give us about my cardiovascular disease (CVD)?
  2. What are the benefits of this test?
  3. What are the risks of this test?
  4. How much radiation will I be exposed to?
  5. Should I worry about this test’s contribution to my lifetime cumulative radiation dose?
  6. I have had tests in the past that use radiation. Should I be worried about further testing?

Improving Patient Care

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) is the leading nonprofit medical society representing invasive and interventional cardiology. Founded in 1978, SCAI’s mission is to lead the global interventional cardiovascular community through education, advocacy, research, and quality patient care. 

SCAI has dedicated its work to advancing the profession and is the designated society for guidance, representation, professional recognition, education, and research opportunities for invasive and interventional cardiology professionals. For more than 40 years, SCAI has personified professional excellence and innovation globally, fostering a trusted community of more than 4,500 members dedicated to medical advancement and lifesaving care for adults and children with cardiovascular disease.  

Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions®

1100 17th Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036