i-CAT FLX provides significant radiation dose reductions, study finds

A new study published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics finds solutions for dental practitioners who seek a low exposure alternative CBCT scanner.

The study, which was authored by Dr. John Ludlow, a researcher in imaging technology and radiation dosages, compared effective doses of radiation from the i-CAT FLX with those from conventional 2D and medical CT imaging alternatives.  Using dosimeters in adult and child anthropomorphic phantoms, the researchers read the absorbed dose and used the data to calculate what amount was effective. 

The results showed that the i-CAT FLX Quick Scan+ protocols resulted in substantially lower doses than standard protocols for the child (P = 0.0167) and adult (P = 0.0055) phantoms.  The researcher notes, however, that while reductions in dose come with reductions in image quality, such low dose volumes are still useful for particular tasks.

“Studies such as this allow practitioners to compare the relative risk of different examinations, techniques, and equipment,” said Dr. Ludlow. “Together with information on image quality and diagnostic utility, practitioners can make evidence-based decisions on when to prescribe radiographic imaging and what technologies and techniques to use in acquiring diagnostic images.”

Head here to access the abstract for Dr. Ludlow’s research, or visit the i-CAT FLX listing on Dental Products & Reviews for more information about the low-dosage scanner.