Dose reference levels for interventional cardiology experience in Spain

The methodology followed in Spain to obtain reference levels for diagnosis is described (DRLs) in interventional cardiology (IC) in collaboration with the Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC). A group of IC units in different autonomous communities was selected. a radiophysicist and an interventional cardiologist assumed responsibility for the dat Dosimetry provided (including update of calibration factors) for a group o procedures: CA coronary angiography and PTCA coronary angioplasties. It was also agreed to include value of occupational doses in addition to doses to patients in a centralized database. Th SEC validated the project (DOCCACI) and publishes the valuesof the DRLs and their updates. The results are periodically presented in meetings with all the center participating hospitals. National DRLs have been obtained: 32 Gy.cm2 for CA (6.7 min o fluoroscopy and 805 cine images) and 67 Gy.cm2 for PTCA (16 minutes of fluoroscopy and 120 movie images). These valueshave remained relatively stable in recent years with some tendency to decrease. Occupational dose valueshave suggested reinforcing the programs o training. Obtaining, updating and using the DRLs has been a very useful instrument for optimization of procedures. The joint record of occupational doses has contributed to th optimization of working methods. The analysis of the complexity of the procedures and their impact in DRLs, it will be valued soon