Photo credit: P.Stroppa/CEA |
The awareness of the need to estimate the dose received by the patient during a medical procedure using ionizing radiation was made much later than for workers. Monitoring patient dosimetry is mandatory in Europe ever since the Directive 97/43 EURATOM, and tools for systematic monitoring were set in place in the 2000s.
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Positron emission tomography (PET) coupled with whole body computer tomography (CT) scan |
Accordingly, every procedure must be subject to a report containing all information needed to estimate the dose, in addition to:
the identification of the patient and the doctor who performed the procedure
the date of the procedure
the justification for the procedure
details identifying the material used in the most irradiating techniques: interventional radiology, scans, and radiotherapy.
This information is according to the order of 22 September 2006 on dosimetric information to be included in a report for a procedure using ionizing radiation.
| In France, diagnostic reference levels exist since 2004 in radiology and nuclear medicine. Established by the IRSN (Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety) for standardized exams and model patients, they do not represent a regulatory dose limit, but rather a practical optimization approach. | Photo credit: P.Stroppa/CEA |