A new international study led by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Columbia University highlights significant disparities in radiation exposure among patients undergoing diagnostic tests for coronary artery disease (CAD) globally. Analyzing data from over 19,000 patients across 742 centers in 101 countries, it revealed that while some centers comply with recommended radiation doses, patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) often face higher exposure. The research, published in JAMA, suggests that optimizing radiation protocols is crucial to ensure patient safety and quality of care, especially as the use of cardiac imaging increases. The study advocates for enhanced professional training, standardized imaging protocols, and investment in modern imaging equipment. IAEA officials emphasized that addressing these disparities is vital, especially as access to diagnostic imaging grows in the face of rising heart disease rates worldwide. The findings point to the need for global collaboration to ensure better patient safety measures in medical imaging.
Fri, 27 Feb 2026 07:20:42 GMT | Devdiscourse