Tesco has been criticised for offering a special promotion on health scans through its Clubcard loyalty scheme.
The supermarket giant is offering the CT scans through partner Lifescan as part of a “health MOT”. The deal gives Tesco ClubCard holders £40 of Lifescan vouchers in exchange for £10-worth of Tesco ones.
However, the Society of Radiographers (SOR) said the offer for CT scans, which use X-rays to help detect the existence of tumours and other illnesses, involve exposure to radiation which is not made clear to Clubcard customers in the promotion.
SOR chief executive Richard Evans said they also prompt “unnecessary anxiety” for people who uncover apparent abnormalities which later turn out to be benign.
The group added that although Lifescan is a reputable company operating within radiation regulations, it thinks it is inappropriate for a retailer such as Tesco to get involved in promoting CT scans .
In response, Tesco said that Lifescan employed qualified staff who explained any risks involved to customers.
A Tesco spokesman said: “Lifescan are an experienced provider of such services employing qualified professional staff to advise on and undertake all scans and providing all customers with a full explanation of the service and any risks involved.”
