[Quality criteria in diagnostic radiology, goals and reality]

Quality criteria describe the medical standards (guidelines) with respect to the different aspects of radiological diagnosis. The indication does not seem to be justified in 20-50% of studies. Indication lists should be developed. Image quality has generally improved--with the exclusion of barium studies of the gastrointestinal tract. In 60% of patient studies, radiation exposure has been lowered to 25% due to the use of low-dose film-screen systems (speed class 400), higher exposure voltages, and improved constancy of the technical equipment. Over the last years diagnostically valuable computed tomography studies have been performed with considerably higher organs and effective doses. Technical restrictions in this field are necessary without compromising the diagnostic information. The benefit-risk ratio underscores the fact that the diagnostic and therapeutic benefit for the patient exceeds the nominal stochastic radiation risk by several orders of magnitude.