Highlights
- •DRLs should be a dynamic tool that follows the development of clinical practice.
- •A standardised approach is needed to facilitate the establishment and use of DRLs.
- •Dose monitoring systems can improve the cycle of establishing, updating and using DRLs.
Abstract
Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) is an important tool that can improve radiation
safety in medical imaging. However, there are certain aspects that need improvement
and several obstacles that should be overcome before DRLs are fully implemented in
practice. It is the authors belief that DRLs should be a dynamic tool that follows
the development of clinical practice and technology advances. The establishment of
adult and paediatric DRLs based on clinical indications should be considered as a
priority. A common methodology and terminology is needed to allow for their clinical
use. Dose monitoring systems can improve and accelerate the establishment, update
and use of DRLs. However, certain steps need to be taken for proper collection. organization
and analysis of big data. Availability of clinically qualified medical physicists
in medical imaging departments, awareness on the importance of dose optimization and
proper cooperation of relevant stakeholders are important prerequisites for the successful
establishment and use of DRLs.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 20, 2021
Accepted:
March 9,
2021
Received in revised form:
March 6,
2021
Received:
January 31,
2021
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
