Can a person who has had a CT scan be near a pregnant woman?

Generally, individuals who have undergone a CT scan can normally approach pregnant women if they received a routine examination at a standard site with low radiation dose and without any radioactive residue. However, if the person underwent a high-dose radiation scan or has prolonged close contact with a pregnant woman shortly after the examination, it is advisable to maintain an appropriate distance. If in doubt, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider in advance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

If the individual had a CT scan of non-torso areas such as the head or limbs, the radiation exposure is localized and relatively low. Since CT scans do not leave any radioactive material in the body, normal conversation or brief contact with a pregnant woman after the scan poses no radiation risk to her or the fetus. In this case, close proximity is acceptable.

If the individual underwent a CT scan of torso areas such as the chest or abdomen, especially a full-body CT scan, the radiation dose is relatively higher. Even though there is no residual radioactivity in the body, prolonged close contact immediately after the scan may pose potential radiation risks. It is therefore recommended to maintain a distance of 1–2 meters for a period of time and wait until clothing has been changed and cleaned before resuming normal contact. In such cases, close proximity is temporarily not advised.

Before contacting a pregnant woman, individuals who have had a CT scan should change their clothes and wash their hands to minimize potential contamination from radiation particles. If the pregnant woman remains concerned, or if the individual received a high-dose CT scan, it is best to consult a doctor for more precise guidance on safe interaction.