The implementation of diagnostic reference levels to Australian radiology practice

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiation Protection
• Public Health

Background:

• There is no current national surveillance for increasing population radiation doses from diagnostic imaging procedures.
• Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) significantly contributes to this dose, with scans increasing by approximately 9% annually.
• The potential carcinogenic risk from current MDCT scanning necessitates a public health response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the lack of national surveillance for diagnostic imaging radiation doses.
• To establish national diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for ionising radiation in diagnostic imaging.
• To consult with professional organisations to ensure effective implementation of DRLs.

Main Methods:

• Estimating population dose from diagnostic imaging procedures, focusing on MDCT growth.
• Utilizing Medicare Benefits Schedule data to track MDCT scan increases.
• Implementing the International Commission on Radiological Protection's principles of Justification and Optimisation.

Main Results:

• MDCT scans are increasing by approximately 9% annually, with over 2 million performed in 2009.
• The effective dose from MDCT is approaching 1.2 mSv per annum.
• Current scanning patterns present a significant carcinogenic risk if dose-detriment models are accurate.

Conclusions:

• The increasing population dose from diagnostic imaging, especially MDCT, is a significant public health concern.
• Establishing national diagnostic reference levels is crucial for patient protection and reducing population burden.
• Collaboration with professional bodies is essential for the successful implementation of DRLs.