Radiation Exposure from Medical Imaging Procedures

To the Editor: In the August 27 issue, the arti­ cle by Fazel et al.1 and the accompanying Perspec­ tive article by Lauer2 create an opportunity for the medical community to learn more about the work of radiation protection professionals: medi­ cal physicists and diagnostic radiologists. Radiol­ ogists are the only physicians who receive sub­ stantive training in radiation biology and safety that is linked to their board certification. Radiolo­ gists are most knowledgeable in managing and minimizing radiation exposures associated with medical imaging, and they can recommend sonog­ raphy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as alternatives to ionizing imaging.3 In a 2009 re­ port,4 the National Council on Radiation Protec­ tion and Measurements, which was chartered by Congress, provided a comprehensive analysis of medical and all other sources of ionizing radia­ tion to which the American public was exposed. The medical community should work together across disciplines to use existing knowledge about radiation protection to ensure that imaging is warranted and optimized. When patients do need imaging, they should ask if the imaging center is accredited, the imaging personnel are creden­ tialed, and the protocols used are weight­based and indication­based, to ensure quality.