Patient exposures in diagnostic radiology

For many years, ICRP reports have included recommendations dealing with the protection of patients, particularly in X-ray diagnostic radiology. The most recent reports on this topic are ICRP Publications 15 and 16 (ICRP, 1970a; 1970b), the latter being entirely devoted to it. In the conclusion to Publication 16 it is stated that: "throughout the task of compiling the document it has been recognised … that the great and growing service to the individual and the community from X-ray diagnostic methods should not be in any way impaired because of radiation hazards. At the same time, there is need to ensure that the advantages of diagnostic radiology are obtained with the minimum of risk to the individual and to future generations. The achievement of this purpose is not within the scope of a single discipline but requires a multi-disciplinary effort by all who instigate X-ray examinations, by those in any way concerned with the use of X-ray diagnostic equipment and techniques, and by those responsible for the relevant educational programmes." The resolutions of the World Health Assembly in 1971 and 1972 (WHO, 1971; 1972a) have emphasized the way in which the medical uses of ionizing radiation could be optimized.