The Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA) announced
today that it has received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) “Leveraging/Collaboration
Award” for developing a collaborative network aimed at reducing unnecessary radiation
exposure from imaging exams to pediatric patients.
“As a long-time collaborative partner with the FDA on initiatives
to promote the safe and effective use of medical imaging equipment, MITA is honored
to receive this prestigious award,” said Gail Rodriguez, Executive Director of MITA.
“Our members remain dedicated to helping reduce unnecessary radiation exposure for
children. We look forward to ongoing cooperative efforts with the FDA and other
stakeholders to build upon these initiatives.”
In addition to ongoing collaborations with the FDA, MITA has
also partnered with the Alliance
for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging and its ‘Image Gently’ campaign to educate
medical professionals and parents about imaging protocols that can reduce imaging-related
dose for children. MITA also supports the ‘Image Wisely’ campaign which focuses
on reducing unnecessary radiation exposure for adults.
Imaging manufacturers have long supported ways to reduce medically
unnecessary radiation dose exposure. In 2010, MITA published the CT Dose Check Standard,
which included two new features that assist the imaging team in providing better
care: dose notifications and dose alerts. Manufacturers have also implemented the
Readiness Check Standard, which prevents therapy equipment from delivering radiation
therapy treatment until a series of quality assurance checks are satisfied.
MITA will be formally recognized on June 18 for its dedication
to excellence in accomplishing the mission of FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological
Health (CDRH). The CDRH is responsible for protecting and promoting the public health,
assuring that patients and providers have timely and continued access to safe, effective
and high-quality medical devices and safe radiation-emitting products.
