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For patients who have to undergo a CT scan, radiation can be a major concern. The radiation in the form of x-rays used in CT scans can damage DNA, possibly leading to cancer. Now, Missouri Baptist Medical Center in St. Louis is investing more than $3 million to convert it's entire CT scanner platform to advanced, low-dose technology.

John Niemeyer, chief of radiology, estimates that the new low-dose scanners will use a dosage of 30 percent to 68 percent less radiation than the older scanners. The lower-dose scanners will also provide faster scanning, sometimes in half the time, which can speed up treatment and diagnosis. The 128-slice scanners are safe for all patients, from children to adults, and can scan the whole body in 30 seconds.

So far, three of the four Siemens SOMATOM Definition AS CT scanners have been installed and are in use, and the fourth is expected to be ready for use this Friday, July 27. Three of the scanners will be located on the main campus at Missouri Baptist Medical Center and one will be in use at the hospital's Outpatient Center in Sunset Hills.

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