Medical uses of radiation: retaining the benefit but recognising the harm

This paper review the historical trends and current situation in doses to patients from diagnostic radiology, to investigate whether the optimisation requirement of radiological protection is being fully implemented. The use of constraints as a quantitative indicator is thought likely to help. Computed tomography is studied as an example of the introduction of a new technique with substantial diagnostic benefits but involving substantial doses. The overall conclusion is that the control of patient doses from diagnostic radiology is reasonable - but iT could be better. (55 refs.)