I recently had a standard CT scan at a hospital. How long should I wait before doing a NURA screening?
While the radiation from a NURA scan is exceptionally low and adds very little to your total exposure, general radiological guidelines suggest a gap of at least 6 months between elective screening CTs if you recently had a high-dose diagnostic CT scan for the same body area (such as the chest or abdomen). However, there […]
Is the radiation from a NURA CT scan dangerous?
No. While standard diagnostic CT scans use moderate amounts of ionizing radiation, NURA uses an ultra-low-dose CT system explicitly designed for safe, routine screening. The radiation levels are so low that they pose no significant risk to your health.
Exactly how much radiation will I be exposed to?
A NURA ultra-low-dose CT scan exposes you to approximately 0.1 to 0.2 millisieverts (mSv). To put this in perspective: It is about 97% less radiation than a standard diagnostic CT scan. It is roughly equivalent to the cosmic radiation you naturally absorb during a round-trip transatlantic flight. It is significantly lower than the normal “background […]
If the radiation is so low, how are the images clear enough for doctors to read?
This is where NURA’s artificial intelligence comes in. NURA utilizes Fujifilm’s advanced AI image processing technology called FCT PixelShine. Historically, low radiation meant blurry or “noisy” images. PixelShine uses deep learning algorithms to instantly clear up the noise from an ultra-low-dose scan, producing sharp, high-definition images that rival traditional high-dose CT scans.
Is it safe to get a NURA scan every year?
Yes. Standard diagnostic CTs are usually only recommended when you have a specific symptom because of their higher radiation doses. Because NURA operates at such a remarkably low dose, it is entirely safe to incorporate into your annual preventive health checkup routine.
Can the scan itself cause cancer?
With standard medical radiation, there is always a very tiny, theoretical long-term risk. However, at the ultra-low doses used by NURA (which are below what you receive naturally from the environment each year), the risk is considered negligible. The life-saving benefit of catching cancer or heart disease in Stage 1 dramatically outweighs any theoretical risk […]
Are there people who should NOT get a NURA scan?
Yes. Pregnant women or women who suspect they might be pregnant should generally avoid any elective or preventive imaging that involves ionizing radiation. Always inform the medical staff if there is a chance you could be pregnant.
Does the CT Calcium Score for my heart use the same low radiation?
Yes. The CT Calcium Score, which looks for plaque buildup in your coronary arteries, is performed using the same ultra-low-dose protocols, ensuring your heart health is evaluated safely.
