Radiation protection in medical imaging

Abstract

Radiation dose measurement in diagnostic radiology is considered to be a critical factor for optimizing radiation protection to the health care practitioners, the patient and the public. This has lead to equipment that has dose-area product meters permanently installed. In many countries and even institutions, the range of equipment is vast and with this the opportunity for radiation protection and dose recording varies considerably. Practitioners must therefore move with the changed demands of radiation protection but in many cases without the assistance of modern advancements in technology. This paper presents an overview of radiation protection in medical imaging and intends to reaffirm the importance of this aspect to practice.