Abdominal CT and the Euratom Directive.

Abstract

Legislation about the use of ionising radiation within Europe is being more strictly defined. Since the introduction of the Euratom Directive, each member state is obliged to check that the Directive is being implemented and that referrals are appropriate. Against this background there is also increasing concern about the relatively high radiation dose associated with CT. This article explores these issues and considers one practical example, namely the investigation of appendicitis.