RSNA 2011: Linear non-threshold hypothesis is inappropriate to calculate low radiation risk
Published
01 November 2011
| Article by Excerpta Medica
RSNA 2011: Linear non-threshold hypothesis is inappropriate to calculate low radiation risk
The linear non-threshold (LNT) hypothesis has been used in occupational settings as a prudent approach for risk estimation from radiation exposure. However, an expert in low-dose radiation exposure argues that this approach is inappropriate for the same purpose in medical imaging. The reason is that the advantages of a diagnostic or interventional radiologic procedure are well established, whereas the risk of low-dose radiation is only theoretical and may be zero. When the LNT calculation is employed it generates a theoretical estimate of risk, but this estimate is not recognized as theoretical by news sources and non-experts, misleading patients to weigh a theoretical number against an objective benefit. Due to innate repair mechanisms that allow cells to recover from ambient exposure to radiation, such as that produced by the sun and other natural sources, the expert argues that LNT is not a reasonable approach in low dose risk estimation when the goal is a realistic rather than a defensive estimate.
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