Surreal illustration of human silhouette with glowing internal network, representing blood vessels and organs within a CT scanner outline.

CT Scans After Trauma: Are We Irradiating Ourselves Unnecessarily?

Avery Sinclair in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 5 min read.

"Balancing the need for rapid diagnosis with the long-term risks of radiation exposure in abdominal trauma patients."

In the fast-paced world of emergency medicine, computed tomography (CT) scans have become indispensable for quickly assessing patients with abdominal trauma. These scans provide detailed images that help doctors identify active bleeding, organ damage, and other critical injuries that require immediate intervention. However, the increasing use of CT scans has raised concerns about the potential long-term risks associated with radiation exposure, especially for younger patients.

A new study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine sheds light on the ongoing debate surrounding the optimal use of CT scans in trauma patients. The researchers investigated whether single-phase CT protocols could be as effective as the more common multi-phase protocols in detecting active bleeding, while potentially reducing the amount of radiation exposure. This is crucial, as radiation exposure from medical imaging has been linked to an increased risk of cancer over a patient's lifetime.

As technology advances, healthcare professionals are constantly seeking ways to refine their practices, making them safer and more effective. This study highlights the delicate balance between the immediate diagnostic benefits of CT scans and the need to minimize the risks associated with radiation. For patients, understanding these considerations can empower them to engage in informed conversations with their healthcare providers about the most appropriate imaging strategies for their specific situation.

The Risks of Over-Scanning: Why Less Radiation Could Be More

Surreal illustration of human silhouette with glowing internal network, representing blood vessels and organs within a CT scanner outline.

The use of CT scans in emergency departments has increased dramatically over the past few decades. While these scans are incredibly useful for quickly diagnosing a wide range of conditions, each scan exposes patients to a dose of ionizing radiation. Cumulative exposure to this type of radiation has been linked to an increased risk of developing cancer later in life. This risk is particularly concerning for younger patients, who have more years ahead of them for the effects of radiation to manifest.

Traditional CT protocols for abdominal trauma often involve multiple phases, where several scans are taken at different time points after injecting a contrast dye. The idea behind multi-phase scans is to better visualize active bleeding and other vascular injuries. However, each additional phase increases the overall radiation dose. Recognizing this, researchers have begun to explore whether single-phase CT scans, which involve just one scan after contrast injection, can provide similar diagnostic accuracy with less radiation.

Increased Cancer Risk: Radiation from CT scans can damage DNA, increasing the likelihood of cancer over time.
Cumulative Effect: The more CT scans a person has, the greater their cumulative radiation exposure and risk.
Younger Patients at Higher Risk: Children and young adults are more sensitive to radiation due to their rapidly dividing cells.

The study in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine aimed to determine if a single-phase CT scan could be as effective as a multi-phase scan in detecting active bleeding in abdominal trauma patients. The researchers retrospectively reviewed the records of 114 patients who had undergone CT scans for abdominal trauma, comparing the diagnostic accuracy of single-phase (arterial or portal venous) and combined-phase CT scans.

Making Informed Decisions: What This Means for Patients and Doctors

The study's findings suggest that single-phase CT scans can be a viable alternative to multi-phase scans in many cases of abdominal trauma, without compromising diagnostic accuracy. This is a significant step forward in the ongoing effort to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure in medical imaging. By carefully considering the specific needs of each patient and tailoring imaging protocols accordingly, healthcare providers can minimize the long-term risks associated with CT scans while still providing the best possible care.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.ajem.2018.10.011, Alternate LINK

Title: Optimal Ct Protocol For The Diagnosis Of Active Bleeding In Abdominal Trauma Patients

Subject: Emergency Medicine

Journal: The American Journal of Emergency Medicine

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Se Jong Kim, Su Joa Ahn, Seung Joon Choi, Dae Hong Park, Hyung Sik Kim, Jeong Ho Kim

Published: 2018-10-01

Everything You Need To Know

Why are computed tomography (CT) scans so frequently used in emergency situations involving abdominal trauma, and what specific concerns arise from their increased use?

In emergency medicine, computed tomography (CT) scans are essential for quickly evaluating abdominal trauma patients. They offer detailed images that help identify critical injuries like active bleeding and organ damage. The concern arises from the increased use of these scans and the potential long-term risks of radiation exposure, especially for younger individuals.

What are the key differences between multi-phase and single-phase CT scan protocols for abdominal trauma, and what is the rationale behind exploring single-phase alternatives?

Multi-phase CT protocols involve multiple scans at different times after injecting contrast dye, aiming to better visualize active bleeding and vascular injuries. However, each additional phase increases the overall radiation dose. Single-phase CT scans involve just one scan after contrast injection. Research, including a study in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, explores whether single-phase CT scans can provide similar diagnostic accuracy with less radiation exposure.

What are the specific risks associated with radiation exposure from CT scans, and why are younger patients considered to be at a higher risk?

Radiation from CT scans can damage DNA, increasing the likelihood of cancer over time. This is a cumulative effect, meaning the more CT scans a person has, the greater their radiation exposure and risk. Younger patients are at higher risk because their cells are rapidly dividing, making them more sensitive to radiation's effects.

What did the study featured in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine reveal about the effectiveness of single-phase CT scans compared to multi-phase scans in diagnosing abdominal trauma?

The study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine indicates that single-phase CT scans can be a viable alternative to multi-phase scans in many cases of abdominal trauma, without compromising diagnostic accuracy. This advancement helps minimize unnecessary radiation exposure in medical imaging by tailoring imaging protocols to each patient's specific needs.

As a patient, what questions should I ask my doctor to ensure that CT scans are used judiciously in my abdominal trauma case, and how can I participate in making informed decisions about imaging strategies?

When facing abdominal trauma, patients should engage in informed conversations with healthcare providers about the imaging strategies. Understanding the balance between the diagnostic benefits of CT scans, whether single-phase or multi-phase protocols, and the risks associated with radiation exposure is crucial. Discussing the necessity of multi-phase scans versus the potential effectiveness of single-phase scans, based on their specific situation, empowers patients to participate in their care.