Diagnostic Reference Levels for Adult Patients in the United States

A diagnostic reference level (DRL) is an investigational level used to identify unusually high radiation doses for common diagnostic medical x-ray imaging procedures. DRLs are typically set at the 75th percentile of a dose distribution from a broad, national survey using a set protocol. They are suggested action levels above which a facility should review its methods and determine if acceptable image quality can be achieved at lower doses. The International Commission on Radiological Protection emphasizes that DRLs “are not for regulatory or commercial purposes” [1,2].

Source: Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR - January 19, 2018 Category: Radiology Authors: Priscilla F. Butler, Kalpana M. Kanal Tags: Radiation sensibilities Source Type: research