Medical use of radiation
'FACTS'
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Medical use of radiation is the use of radiation on patients within the healthcare service, including dental clinics, hospitals, private medical centres and chiropractor clinics.
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Examples of medical use of radiation include diagnostic use of X-ray, MRI and ultrasound devices, and radiotherapy, nuclear medicine and laser treatments.
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We strive to ensure effective radiation protection for patients, workers and the general public.
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We conduct inspections and audits, issue recommendations, inform and advise, and approve enterprises which use radiation.
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We prepare national overviews of radiation doses for patients for the most common X-ray and CT examinations, and monitor the radiation doses to personnel who are exposed to radiation through their work.
Health risks associated with X-ray diagnostics
The health risks associated with X-rays used in healthcare are generally small, and every enterprise which performs X-ray examinations must ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks.