Each CT scan performed at Affidea diagnostic centers is performed with the lowest possible radiation dose, in order to offer you safe and quality diagnostic tests. Find out about the Dose Excellence radiation dose optimization program, which is exclusively implemented by the Affidea Group of Diagnostic Centers nationwide, and learn more about the measures we take to protect you.
What is a CT scan?
Computed Tomography (CT) is one of the top five medical advances of the last 40 years. It is a diagnostic technique, which with the use of X-rays is able to produce digitally processed images, thus allowing the Radiologist to have visual access to the anatomical structures of the human body. CT has proven to be such a valuable diagnostic tool that the 1979 Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to its inventors.
What are the benefits of a CT scan?
Radiologists through CT are able to diagnose a variety of medical conditions, such as internal injuries, inflammation, vascular lesions or tumors. The referring physician will use the medical information provided to them to more effectively manage the patient’s condition, for example to limit the need for surgical exploration, to direct the treatment of conditions such as injuries/traumas, heart disease and stroke, and to have an early diagnosis of malignant diseases. The measures we take at Affidea diagnostic centers to protect you Affidea has launched the Dose Excellence program by performing CT scans with maximum safety.
What is Dose Excellence and where does it apply?
Regarding the radiation dose, the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) Principle is applied in the Affidea diagnostic centers, i.e. the lowest possible. In other words, we minimize the dose of radiation you receive during a CT scan while maintaining the high quality of our diagnostic imaging. The Dose Excellence program applies exclusively to Affidea diagnostic centers nationwide.
How can radiation dose be improved?
Producing diagnostic images requires specific levels of radiation doses, which depend on various factors, such as the age and BMI (Body Mass Index) of the patient, as well as the part of the body being examined. Affidea applies a specific radiation management policy and uses effective means to continuously monitor radiation dose levels and determine the optimal dose accordingly, individualizing it to the patient. This goal is achieved because we have:
Highly qualified medical staff
The staff consists of medical professionals, highly trained in balancing the lowest radiation dose with the best imaging quality. Their training is designed in collaboration with the Medical Advisory Board (MAB) of the Affidea Group, which is staffed by distinguished scientists.
Cutting Edge Technology
Affidea uses modern medical equipment, which is regularly maintained, replaced and upgraded according to strict company standards. Our equipment undergoes thorough quality checks by qualified medical personnel to meet European standards and Affidea Group policy for radiation dose management. In addition, we have installed DoseWatch™ software which helps us monitor, record and adjust the level of radiation dose our subjects receive during a CT Scan.
Strict medical protocols
Our commitment is to promote best practices. Affidea’s examination protocols for CT scans have been meticulously designed by a Radiation Protection Team to meet the high standards of patient safety at each of the Group’s Dose Excellence centres.
Dose Excellence with multiple awards from the medical community
Dose Excellence has received multiple awards and distinctions from the medical community pan-European. It recently received a very important distinction, in the context of highlighting the most important initiatives in the Healthcare sector at the Patient Partnerships Awards 2022. In addition, all the Greek centers that participated in the first phase of the campaign have been honored by the European Society of Radiology (ESR) for their contribution to patient safety in terms of radiation dose, with 4 and 5 EuroSafe stars Imaging Stars, while being ranked on the “Wall of Stars” list together with the “cream of the crop” of European hospitals.