Dosimetric Methods for and Influence of Exposure Parameters on the Establishment of Reference Doses for Examinations using Fluoroscopy (invited paper)

Within the past 10 years special fluoroscopy guided examinations have increasingly been performed. New techniques such as interventional radiology are requiring long periods of fluoroscopy causing high doses to patients. Different factors affect patient exposure in fluoroscopy compared to radiography. Both examination practice and technical parameters influence dose. The consequences are demands for new reference dose values. One single reference value cannot give enough information, therefore at least five values have to be established and measured during examinations to decide the reasons for high exposures. New methods for assessing or measuring all values in relation to the reference values are discussed. Using published data, a proposal is made for reference values for frequently performed examinations that lead to high exposures for the patients. (author)