The Use of National and Locally Set Reference Dose Levels in a Regional Programme for Dose Reduction in Diagnostic Radiology

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Abstract
A programme of patient dose measurements in radiography and fluoroscopy has been ongoing for the past 5 years in accordance with the National Protocol for Patient Dosimetry. Dose measurements for radiography are carried out at approximately 3-yearly intervals with thermoluminescence dosemeters (TLDs) used to measure skin entrance dose for up to 10 common examinations. Dose-area product meters (DAPMs) are used for the assessment of dose in complex examinations including barium enemas and meals. Data have been collected from a number of hospitals across the region. The data from the initial round of measurements over 1992-1995 has been used in the setting of local reference dose levels against which, in addition to National Reference levels, all subsequent survey results can be compared. The results are presented, identifying the local reference levels set for the various examinations. The local figures act as a tighter constraint than the original national figures. The use of locally set reference levels has been a success with more relevance for participating hospitals, consequently having a greater impact on the optimisation programme.

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