Patient dose optimisation in cardiology during fluoroscopy examinations

Data from 1200 cardiac examinations recorded during the past ten months have been analysed. The DAP's obtained for most of the examinations are comparable to the published data. Moreover, an excellent correlation has been found between the high DAP value and the experience of the operator. DAP measurements for 'high dose examinations' are becoming mandatory in several countries, and medical physicists should help the physicians to interpret these measurements in order to improve the safety of the ionising radiation use. In our Centre it appeared that for their first examinations physicians should be more closely guided by seniors. (author)