Developing and implementing a multi-modality imaging optimization study in paediatric radiology: Experience and recommendations from an IAEA coordinated research project

Abstract

Optimization of imaging examinations is a key requirement of both the International and European Basic Safety Standards, and the focus of much international activity. Although methodologies are well established in principle, there continues to be a variety of practical issues both in collecting and interpreting dose and image quality data and in making successful interventions to optimize exposures. A Coordinated Research Project, involving institutes from ten different countries, was established by the IAEA to assess the efficacy of recommended optimization methodologies in the field of paediatric radiology and to derive practical guidance on their implementation. The steps followed in this process were identification of the imaging process to be investigated (abdomen and chest x-rays, micturating cysto-urethrograms, and brain & thorax CT scans); collection of dose and image quality data; evaluation and comparison of the data between institutes and to standards; identification and implementation of interventions for optimization; and reevaluation of dose and image quality parameters. The project succeeded both in achieving effective interventions for optimization of specific imaging tasks in individual institutes and in identifying key issues with potential to handicap this process. The main area in which problems were encountered was in the collation of reliable dose and image quality data. The reasons for this were explored and a series of recommendations have been made, summarized into 'ten practical tips' for optimization to assist institutes, particularly those in the early stages of addressing optimization issues.

Evaluation of Radiation Dose to the Thyroid Gland on Infant Patients Undergoing Anteroposterior Chest X-Ray at a Tertiary Hospital in North-Western Nigeria

“…Since the introduction of the term Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) by the International Commission on Radiological Protection in 1996 (ICRP, 1996) [15], there have been continuing worldwide efforts to develop and implement DRLs in diagnostic radiology as well as nuclear medicine. Diagnostic Reference Levels help to avoid radiation dose to the patient that does not contribute to medical diagnosis [16,17]. The international commission on radiological protection (ICRP) in its 1996 publication recommended that to set DRLs and identify unusually high exposure levels, the radiation quantity assessed should be easily measurable.…”

The scientific publications of AIFM members in 2015–2019: A survey of the FutuRuS working group

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