Current status of medical radiation exposure and regulation efforts

Lee, Whal

doi:2011.54.12.1248

J Korean Med Assoc > Volume 54(12); 2011 > Article

Focused Issue of This Month

Journal of the Korean Medical Association 2011;54(12):1248-1252.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2011.54.12.1248

Current status of medical radiation exposure and regulation efforts

Whal Lee

Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea. whal.lee@gmail.com

Abstract

The radiation exposure from diagnostic medical imaging has increased. The potential risk from radiation exposure of the patient also has increased even though the risk from a small amount of radiation exposure has not been clearly demonstrated. Any medical radiation exposure must be justified and the examinations which use ionizing radiation must be optimized. The education of the referring physician and radiologist are important. However, stronger regulation is essential to control medical radiation exposure. Many national and international organizations have made a significant effort to regulate and monitor medical radiation exposure using guidelines, accreditation, or even laws. Medical radiation exposure must be controlled, and this could be achieved by continuous interest from health professionals and organizations.

Key Words: Radiation protection, Radiation hazard, Computed tomography, Ionizing radiation