Radiation exposure in medical imaging
National DRLs - CT examinations
A national diagnostic reference level (DRL) is established based on radiation dose information from users of medical equipment. The typical dose length product (DLP) of an entire examination should be below the national DRL for the relevant examination type, and if it is higher, there should be an attempt made to reduce it.
The below table lists the national DRLs establised in 2023 for various types of CT examinations in Iceland.
Body part, reference | DLP [mGy*cm] |
|---|---|
Head, brain, hemorrhage or ischemia* | 1060 |
Head, sinusitis | 70 |
Thorax, interstitial disease, metastases, tumor | 310 |
Thorax, coronary vessels (angiography) | 210 |
Thorax and abdomen, oncological exam | 940 |
Abdomen, appendicitis | 690 |
Abdomen, tumor, metastases | 770 |
Kidney, tumor (urography) | 930 |
Kidney stones | 470 |
Lumbar spine, trauma | 620 |
*brain without contrast material
Further information can be found in the following report published by Geislavarnir ríkisins:
Service provider
The Icelandic Radiation Safety Authority