Radiation protection and quality assurance in paediatric radiology

Abstract

Children are recognized as a special case in the new Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations. All departments examining children should have a core of staff experienced and trained in the care and imaging of paediatric patients. Departments should have agreed protocols and diagnostic pathways, standardized techniques, comparable diagnostic quality of images and doses within published reference ranges for children. Good radiographic technique is the most important factor in improving quality without the cost of increased dose. CT examinations must be optimized for children, adopting appropriate protocols and selecting lower tube current according to patient size and imaging requirements.