Diagnostic reference levels

The Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2000 require all British hospitals to implement diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for both x-ray and nuclear medicine imaging procedures. For nuclear medicine examinations, DRLs are to be expressed in terms of the administered activity and appropriate levels have been recommended by ARSAC and are listed in Appendix 1 of the Notes for Guidance on the Clinical Administration of Radiopharmaceuticals and Use of Sealed Radioactive Sources.

This publication is available from the Department of Health website ( www.advisorybodies.doh.gov.uk/arsac) in Nuclear Medicine Communications, 21, Supplement January 2000, S1-S95, or on request from the ARSAC Support Unit.

Last reviewed: 13 August 2009