Multidetector CT radiation dose optimisation in adults: short- and long-term effects of a clinical audit.

Objective: To report short- and long-term effects of an audit process intended to optimise the radiation dose from multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT).

Methods: A survey of radiation dose from all eight MDCT departments in the state of Luxembourg performed in 2007 served as baseline, and involved the most frequently imaged regions (head, sinus, cervical spine, thorax, abdomen, and lumbar spine). CT dose index volume (CTDIvol), dose-length product per acquisition (DLP/acq), and DLP per examination (DLP/exa) were recorded, and their mean, median, 25th and 75th percentiles compared.

[The situation of Medical Physics in Luxembourg].

Medical Physics is recognized for the first time in the Healthcare System of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg through the ordinance of 16 March 2001. This ordinance regulates the measures of quality assurance towards the radiation protection of patients, as well as the responsibilities and tasks of the Medical Physics Experts. The ordinance does not specify the number of qualified personnel required to perform all the quality controls demanded for the hospitals.

Practical implementation of the medical exposure directive (97/43) in Luxembourg.

The medical exposure Directive of 1984 was updated in 1997 (EURATOM 97/43) and should be implemented into national legislation before May 2000. Need for harmonisation exists in Europe, as differences in the application of ionising radiation exist throughout European countries and social mobility of the population is increasing. The context of the justification/optimisation process as well as specific characteristics of national health legislation and Social Security legislation and their impact on radiation protection of the patient, are presented.