Radiologic Examination in Women of Child-Bearing Age

Is the patient a woman of child bearing age?

Was the onset of menses within the past 10 days?

Is the woman taking oral contraceptives according to instructions?

Does the woman have an intrauterine contraceptive device?

Has the woman had surgery resulting in sterilization?

Has the woman been celibate for the past three months?

Is a serum HCG pregnancy test positive?

Can the woman's pelvis and abdomen be shielded?

Can the woman's pelvis be excluded from the primary X-ray beam?

Is there a medical necessity to perform the imaging study?

Can the imaging studies be kept to a low level of exposure?