The learning objective is to become familiar with the Dutch guideline on imaging with ionizing radiation. The aim of the guideline is to promote a clear dialogue between healthcare professional, patient and his or her carer / comforter about radiation risks from imaging with X-rays or radioactive substances, and to reduce practice variation in the use of shielding. The guideline addresses the following topics: Assessing the radiation risks of different imaging procedures for patients and carers. Informing the patient and his carer about radiation risks....

Background and rationale Imaging procedures in the hospital often use X-rays or radioactive substances. Most people have no problem with that, but for some it leads to worry or anxiety. It is possible that a patient receives information from a referrer about protective measures, for example the use of a lead apron, while this is not applied during the execution of the imaging procedure because it is not possible or not necessary. It is also conceivable that the patient hears from one healthcare provider that...

Radiation risks in medical imaging For many procedures, the radiation risk is low and the justification is evident. However, it is not always clear to the healthcare providers involved what the risks of the various possible investigations are and in which cases there is a high risk. In general, biological effects of ionizing radiation can be classified into two groups [1][2]: tissue and organ effects (or deterministic effects). As a result of (high) doses of ionizing radiation on a tissue, clinically observable effects can arise...

In 2021, the guideline has been authorized and published on https://richtlijnendatabase.nl/ (in Dutch). Leaflets have to be produced and local hospital procedures need to be updated and implemented accordingly. Information is made available for the general public on https://www.thuisarts.nl/ (in Dutch). [Fig 11]

The 2007 Recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection. ICRP Publication 103. Ann. ICRP 2007 37 (2-4). Bos, A.J.J. , Draaisma, F.S., Okx, W.J.C. Inleiding tot de Stralingshygiëne. Den Haag, Nederland: Sdu Uitgevers 2007. Tubiana M, Aurengo A, Averbeck D, Masse R. The debate on the use of linear no threshold for assessing the effects of low doses. J Radiol Prot. 2006 Sep;26(3):317-24. Raabe OG. Toward improved ionizing radiation safety standards. Health Phys. 2011 Jul;101(1):84-93. Socol Y, Dobrzyński L. Atomic Bomb Survivors Life-Span Study:...

M. van Straten: Research/Grant Support: Siemens Healthineers M. van der Vlies: Nothing to disclose S. Geers Van Gemeren: Nothing to disclose G. Van den Aardweg: Nothing to disclose T. de Vries: Nothing to disclose H. Duvekot: Nothing to disclose d. dickerscheid: Nothing to disclose N. De Graaf: Nothing to disclose