J Radiol
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The effects of exposure to ionizing radiation are determined by the absorbed dose D. The equivalent dose H takes into consideration the variation in probability of a stochastic effect (cancer, leukemia, genetic mutation) based on the quality of the exposure. The effective dose E takes into account the sensitivity of tissues (T) to stochastic effects from radiation exposure. Optimization of radiation exposure to patients in diagnostic radiology in based on diagnostic reference levels (DRL): entrance surface dose or dose-area product for conventional radiology; CT dose index and DLP for CT.
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The purpose of this article is to provide radiologists with key elements of radiation protection for interventional radiology patients. The following points will be discussed: standards of the fluoroscopy units, dedicated dosimetry, risks (especially cutaneous) and means to reduce them, optimization of interventional radiology dose protocols, and national and international regulations. Appropriateness criteria in interventional radiology are national guidelines that should be implemented.