[Use of the radiological exploration in a medical specialities department]

To analyse the use of the radiological examinations and the adequacy of every request to the guidelines of indication of radiological investigations.

A prospective survey that includes the explorations carried out in 202 patients hospitalised between January and April of 2006. The demographic data, the diagnosis, the radiological exams, the clinical aim of the requests and the requesting department were analysed. The appropriateness was assessed according to the international criteria of adequacy by two experienced physicians.

Twenty-seven percent out of the requests of radiological investigations was no adapted to the reference criteria. The requesting department, the type of radiographies and the diagnostic aim of the radiological studies were associated with an appropriate indication (p < 0.0001). Among the radiographies with diagnostic aim, the detection of radiological alterations was associated with a suitable indication of the request (p < 0.0001).

The appropriate use of the radiological explorations was similar to other published reports. The inadequate indication seems to be associated with the use of simple radiographic explorations, with follow-up studies and with the requests from Intensive Care Unit.