Optimization of the Radiological Protection of Patients

In view of the vast potential of mammography as an imaging modality to achieve early detection of breast cancer, and the recommendations of various national and international organizations to achieve optimization in mammography, the IAEA initiated a Coordinated Research Project in 1999. The project was confined to six countries in Eastern Europe. The purpose was to access the situation with regard to image quality and patient dose, identify corrective actions needed to achieve optimization, implement corrective actions and evaluate the impact. Useful observations were made, and ultimately it was possible to achieve, on average, a 25% reduction in dose while maintaining image quality. It is hoped that this publication will prove useful to Member States in setting up programmes for optimization of radiological protection in mammography.