Government Researchers Review Dose Exposure Data

David Rosenfeld | | Radiology Business | Business Intelligence
A team of researchers supported by the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute surveyed available studies on radiation dose exposure and came up with key recommendations to reduce exposure from diagnostic imaging. Annual per capita radiation exposure from medical sources has increased nearly 600% from 1980 to 2006, based on an article published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. The group advocates for the use of evidence-based appropriateness criteria, oversight of equipment to deliver the minimum radiation dose required and development of lifetime electronic medical records of imaging procedures as key steps to reduce overall exposure. The paper also calls for a commitment by medical training programs, professional societies, and radiation protection organizations to educate all stakeholders in reducing radiation from diagnostic procedures.

David Rosenfeld

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