Radiation Exposure through Private Health Examinations in Korea

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Due to the increase in general health examination centers, health examination programs are becoming more diversified in Korea. Some of the general health examination tests, such as computed tomography, result in substantial levels of radiation exposure. However, the amount of radiation exposure from these examinations has not been studied in Korea. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the level of radiation exposure from general health examinations. METHODS: Through the Korean Hospitals Association website and portal sites, 296 general health examination facilities were included in the study. The information about whether radiation-related tests are included in the health examination program of each facility was collected from their internet website. The radiation exposure dose for each test was obtained from the Database Construction Report by the Korean Institute of Nuclear Safety. RESULTS: The mean base exposure dose of health examination programs from 296 health facilities was 2.49+/-2.50 mSv. The mean maximum exposure dose was 14.82+/-9.55 mSv (maximum 40.1 mSv). The maximum exposure dose was the highest at university-associated hospitals (21.63+/-7.54 mSv) and lowest at hospitals with < or =30 beds (7.84+/-7.64 mSv). The contribution of computed tomography on the maximum exposure dose was the highest of all examinations (72%). CONCLUSIONS: This study verified that examinees are exposed to substantial levels of radiation during general health examinations. It is necessary to establish evidence-based screening programs considering radiation exposure during general health examinations.