Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Radiation Exposure
MIC Medical Imaging has learned that some manufacturers of continuous glucose monitoring devices recommend removing their devices before radiation exposure.
Diabetic patients who use a glucose monitoring system – likely on their stomach or arm – are encouraged to check with their manufacturer before scheduling an appointment at MIC that could expose them to low doses of radiation.
Possible exams that may conflict with the monitoring devices include:
- Bone mineral densitometry
- CT imaging
- Fluoroscopy procedures (pain management injections)
- Breast imaging (screening mammography, diagnostic mammography, breast biopsy)
- Nuclear medicine (bone scan, gallium scan, Meckel’s scan, HIDA, MPI, etc.)
- PET CT imaging
- Whole body composition
- X-ray imaging
Many glucose monitoring devices are costly and cannot be reused, so it is important that patients check with their manufacturer and software provider before their appointment.
Some devices recommend removing the glucose monitor for all radiation imaging exams, while others specify that you only need to remove the device if it is in the direct beam. Some devices say that you don’t need to remove them at all.
Moving Forward
Before scheduling a medical imaging exam at MIC, we recommend that all diabetic patients refer to their glucose monitoring device instructions so they can coordinate their appointment around the replacement of their device.
Patients with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact their glucose monitoring device manufacturer. If you are unsure if you will receive radiation during your appointment, please call our Central Booking team at 780-450-1500.