Patient exposures and radiation risks in Swedish diagnostic radiology

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiological Protection
• Public Health

Background:

• Diagnostic radiology practices in 1974 involved significant patient exposure.
• Assessing radiation doses is crucial for understanding potential health risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify patient radiation doses from various radiological examinations in Sweden.
• To estimate collective and genetically significant doses to the Swedish population.
• To evaluate the potential for dose reduction.

Main Methods:

• Measurements of energy imparted and organ doses were conducted in 13 Swedish hospitals.
• Photofluorographic and dental installations were also included in the study.
• Collective doses and genetically significant doses were calculated, along with risk estimates.

Main Results:

• The annual mean body dose to the Swedish population was approximately 1 mGy.
• The genetically significant dose was similar to 1955 levels (around 0.4 mGy), with a 50% uncertainty.
• Dose reduction by a factor of two or more is achievable with existing techniques.

Conclusions:

• Radiation doses from diagnostic imaging in 1974 were substantial.
• Significant opportunities exist for reducing patient radiation exposure.
• The estimated risk of serious future injury is 0.0002 cases per joule of energy imparted.