Radiology: Radiation Protection
IR(ME)R 2017:
• Before an exposure is taken it must be justified by an IR(ME)R practitioner.
• The benefits must outweigh the risks.
• Every exposure must be justified on the grounds of:
– Availability and findings of previous radiographs;
– The specific objectives of the exposure in relation to the history and
examination of the patient;
– The total potential diagnostic benefit to the patient;
– The radiation risk associated with the radiographic examination;
– The efficacy, benefits and risks of alternative techniques having the
same objective but involving no or less exposure to ionising radiation.
• There is NO justification for routine radiography of new patients.
IR(ME)R 2017: Optimisation and Limitation
• Optimisation: Steps must be taken to make sure the dose is As Low As
Reasonably Practicable (ALARP principle). Includes the need to have a QA
programme in place.
• Limitation: The dose limits set by the International Commission on
Radiological Protection (ICRP) must be adhered to.
, Radiation Protection:
• The way of making sure that the doses to both patient and staff are as low as
reasonably practicable (ALARP).
• Three main ways:
• Equipment
• Clinical judgement
• Radiographic technique
Equipment Recommendations:
• Similar to those laid out in IRR and various guidance documents.
• Fastest film available currently: F
• Best intensifying screens currently: rare earth
• Equipment needs to be regularly tested to ensure it is performing correctly.
IR(ME)R 2017:
• Before an exposure is taken it must be justified by an IR(ME)R practitioner.
• The benefits must outweigh the risks.
• Every exposure must be justified on the grounds of:
– Availability and findings of previous radiographs;
– The specific objectives of the exposure in relation to the history and
examination of the patient;
– The total potential diagnostic benefit to the patient;
– The radiation risk associated with the radiographic examination;
– The efficacy, benefits and risks of alternative techniques having the
same objective but involving no or less exposure to ionising radiation.
• There is NO justification for routine radiography of new patients.
IR(ME)R 2017: Optimisation and Limitation
• Optimisation: Steps must be taken to make sure the dose is As Low As
Reasonably Practicable (ALARP principle). Includes the need to have a QA
programme in place.
• Limitation: The dose limits set by the International Commission on
Radiological Protection (ICRP) must be adhered to.
, Radiation Protection:
• The way of making sure that the doses to both patient and staff are as low as
reasonably practicable (ALARP).
• Three main ways:
• Equipment
• Clinical judgement
• Radiographic technique
Equipment Recommendations:
• Similar to those laid out in IRR and various guidance documents.
• Fastest film available currently: F
• Best intensifying screens currently: rare earth
• Equipment needs to be regularly tested to ensure it is performing correctly.
