Study on the guidance level of medical radiation diagnosis

With the continuous advancement of modern medical technology, the application of radiological diagnosis in clinical diagnosis and treatment is becoming more and more extensive. From X-rays to CT (computed tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and other technologies, they provide doctors with clear and accurate imaging data, becoming an important basis for the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases. However, while radiological diagnosis and treatment brings medical convenience, it is also accompanied by the problem of radiation dose control, which is directly related to the health and safety of patients.

1. Importance of medical exposure in diagnostic radiology

Radiological diagnosis uses X-rays, gamma rays, etc. generated by radioactive substances or ionizing radiation to examine the human body to obtain imaging information of internal structures and pathological changes. This type of examination is widely used in the diagnosis of diseases in multiple parts of the body, such as the chest, bones, abdomen, and brain, and has become an indispensable part of modern medicine. Radiological diagnosis has the advantages of being non-invasive, intuitive, and efficient, and can provide doctors with accurate disease assessments and thus formulate scientific and reasonable treatment plans.

2. Concept of guidance level for medical exposure in diagnostic radiology

Medical exposure guidance level refers to the dose, dose rate or activity value selected by the medical business department and approved by the regulatory department to indicate a reference level. When the actual exposure exceeds this level, a practicing physician should conduct a professional assessment to decide whether to continue the examination or take other measures to reduce the radiation dose. This concept is proposed to ensure the safety of patients when receiving radiological diagnosis by setting a reasonable upper limit for exposure dose.

Internationally, different countries and organizations have slightly different definitions and names for medical exposure guidance levels. For example, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) uses diagnostic reference levels (DRLs), while the European Commission uses similar terms for definitions. my country has formulated guidance levels for radiological diagnosis and nuclear medicine diagnosis in my country based on the International Basic Safety Standards for Protection against Ionizing Radiation and for the Safety of Radiation Sources (BSS) and actual conditions.

III. Principles for establishing guidance levels for medical radiation diagnosis

1. Scientificity and rationality: The formulation of guidance levels should be based on extensive quality survey data and scientific evaluation to ensure their practicality and operability in clinical practice.

2. Flexibility: The guidance level is not an absolute dose limit, but a reference level. In practical applications, the irradiation dose should be flexibly adjusted according to the patient's specific conditions and clinical needs.

3. Regional differences: Due to differences in medical device performance and medical practices in different regions, the formulation of guidance levels should take into account regional characteristics to ensure that they are highly applicable in different regions.

4. Continuous updating: As medical technology and equipment continue to develop, guidance levels should be regularly evaluated and updated to reflect the latest scientific research and clinical practice experience.

IV. Practical application of the guidance levels for medical radiation diagnosis

In actual operation, the application of radiation diagnostic medical exposure guidance levels involves multiple aspects. First, the doctor should choose the appropriate examination method and radiation dose according to the patient's condition and examination needs. When the actual exposure is close to or exceeds the guidance level, the doctor should conduct a professional assessment to determine whether it is necessary to continue the examination or take other measures to reduce the radiation dose.

In addition, medical institutions should strengthen radiation protection and ensure that equipment and operations meet relevant standards. For example, they should regularly maintain and calibrate radiation equipment to ensure stable and reliable equipment performance; provide professional training for operators to improve their radiation protection awareness and operating skills; optimize the inspection process to reduce unnecessary repeated inspections and exposure time, etc.

V. Challenges and Countermeasures

Although the guidance level of radiation diagnosis and medical exposure has played an important role in ensuring patient safety, it still faces some challenges in practical application. For example, some medical institutions have insufficient understanding of the guidance level and lack the corresponding implementation strength; some doctors rely too much on imaging examinations during diagnosis and ignore the control of radiation dose; some patients do not have enough understanding of radiation hazards and lack self-protection awareness.

In response to these challenges, the following countermeasures can be taken: First, strengthen publicity and education to enhance the awareness and attention of medical institutions and patients to radiation protection; second, improve relevant laws, regulations and standards system, clarify the legal status and implementation requirements of guidance levels; third, strengthen supervision, inspection and evaluation to ensure that guidance levels are effectively implemented; fourth, promote the innovative development of medical technology and equipment, reduce radiation dose and improve diagnostic efficiency.

VI. Conclusion

Radiological diagnosis plays an important role in modern medicine, but the radiation risks it brings cannot be ignored. By formulating scientific and reasonable guidance levels for medical exposure to radiological diagnosis and strengthening relevant management and control measures, we can effectively reduce radiation hazards and protect the health and safety of patients. In the future, with the continuous advancement of medical technology and the continuous improvement of protective measures, we have reason to believe that radiological diagnosis will play a more active role in clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Author: Song Huazhang Dazhou Central Hospital, Sichuan Province