Measurement of dose-area product in diagnostic radiology as a method of assessing the radiation exposure. (Results, experience, proposals for improvement, recommendations relating to radiological protection). Report of an expert meeting

The fundamental recommendations of the ICRP issued in its publication of 1990 stipulate the general principle of performance of dose measurements at regular intervals in the field of diagnostic radiology, for the purpose of equipment performance checking and optimization of radiological protection. In response to this requirement, the Federal Ministry, in cooperation with experts and the competent supervising authorities, has issued an order to install dose-area-product meters in angiographic examination systems, imaging systems and fluoroscopic screen devices primarily used for examining infants and children up to the age of 12. This is done in response to reported cases of adverse effects of radiation exposure and the high priority given to radiological protection in the examination of infants and children. In 1992, an expert group was convened to discuss and elaborate instructions for including dose-area product measurement in the dosimetry activities in medical diagnostic radiology. The book in hand is a compilation of papers and discussions of this expert group, (26 contributions), supplemented by relevant further contributions of experts, and recommendations. The book is intended to serve as a source of reference and guidance covering the measuring techniques and their applications, showing the useful potentials of this dosimetric method for the assessment of patient doses in clinical practice. (orig./VHE)