Protocols for dosimetry and patient reference levels

Doses in radiology should be as low as reasonably achievable. In order to compare practice in different centres it is necessary to compare patient doses. This can only be undertaken if dosimetry studies are similar. In order to facilitate comparisons, the DIMOND consortium developed a patient dosimetry protocol. Reference doses have been proposed to identify centres where optimisation studies would be of benefit. Whilst reference doses have been established for common radiographic and fluoroscopic examinations, little research has been undertaken in the area of digital radiology, partly owing to the rapid technological changes occurring in digital and interventional radiology. Dosimetry data obtained by the DIMOND research project were compared with data from published literature. Data for various digital and interventional radiology procedures were reviewed. Proposals are made for reference doses. There is obviously a need for standardised approaches to patient dosimetry, which should be recorded in the hospital's information system. (authors)