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. 2008 Jan;105(3):41-6.
doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2008.0041. Epub 2008 Jan 18.

Radiation protection in diagnostic radiology

Ferid Shannoun  1 , Maria Blettner, Heinz Schmidberger, Hajo Zeeb
Affiliations

Radiation protection in diagnostic radiology

Ferid Shannoun et al. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2008 Jan.

Abstract

Introduction: The use of ionizing radiation is regulated by legislative bodies to limit both individuals' and the population's exposure to radiation. Germany has implemented the European 97/43/EURATOM directive in national law by updating the existing radiation protection regulations. The German Commission on Radiological Protection regularly publishes statements and recommendations on radiation protection in medicine and diagnostic radiology, such as the introduction of diagnostic reference levels and referral guidelines for radiological and nuclear medicine imaging.

Methods: Review of selected literature, national and international recommendations and legal texts.

Results: From a radiological protection perspective, clear justification for radiological examinations and techniques aimed at minimizing radiation dose while providing the required diagnostic information, are essential.

Discussion: Referring doctors should be sure to use existing guidelines for medical imaging, and liaise with radiologists and nuclear medicine specialists, with whom they share the responsibility for choosing appropriate imaging modalities.

Keywords: Directive 97/43/EURATOM; German Commission on Radiological Protection; radiation dosimetry; radiation protection in medicine; radiation risk.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Relative frequency of different X-ray procedures in Germany in 2001, together with their relative contributions to the collective effective dose. Taken from: Brix G, Nekolla E, Griebel J: Strahlenexposition von Patienten durch diagnostische und interventionelle Röntgenanwendungen – Fakten, Bewertung und Trends [Radiation exposure of patients from diagnostic and therapeutic X-ray procedures – facts, evaluation, and trends]. Radiologe 2005; 45: 340–9 (14), with kind permission of Springer Verlag, Heidelberg
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

  • Only trained staff defines indication.
    Bockisch A, Laniado M. Bockisch A, et al. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2008 Jul;105(27):498-9; author reply 499. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2008.0499a. Epub 2008 Jul 4. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2008. PMID: 19626190 Free PMC article. No abstract available.
  • More intense communication is required.
    Cohnen M. Cohnen M. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2008 Jul;105(27):498; author reply 499. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2008.0498. Epub 2008 Jul 4. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2008. PMID: 19626191 Free PMC article. No abstract available.

References

    1. Richtlinie zur Festlegung der Grundnormen für den Gesundheitsschutz der Bevölkerung und der Arbeitskräfte gegen die Gefahren ionisierender Strahlungen. Amtsblatt der Europäischen Gemeinschaften. 1959 Feb 20;Nr. 11:221–239.
    1. Rat der Europäischen Gemeinschaften: Richtlinie 84/466/ EURATOM zur Festlegung der grundlegenden Maßnahmen für den Strahlenschutz bei ärztlichen Untersuchungen und Behandlungen. Amtsblatt der Europäischen Gemeinschaften. 1984 Sep 03;Nr. L 265:1–3.
    1. Bundesgesetzblatt vom 8. Januar 1987: Verordnung über den Schutz vor Schäden durch Röntgenstrahlen (Röntgenverordnung) in der Fassung vom 30/04/2003
    1. Bundesgesetzblatt vom vom 30. Juni 1989: Verordnung über den Schutz vor Schäden durch ionisierende Strahlen (Strahlenschutzverordnung), in der Fassung vom 18/06/2002
    1. Rat der Europäischen Gemeinschaften: Richtlinie 97/43/EURATOM des Rates vom 30/06/1997 über den Gesundheitsschutz von Personen gegen die Gefahren ionisierender Strahlung bei medizinischer Exposition und zur Aufhebung der Richtlinie 84/466/Euratom. Amtsblatt der Europäischen Gemeinschaften. 1997 Jul 09;Nr. L 180:22–27.