Radiation risk Unnecessary X-ray examinations should be avoided

Experts advise to avoid unnecessary X-ray applications

Time and again, experts point out that the health risks caused by X-rays should not be underestimated. Finally, such studies are associated with a radiation risk. Often, other procedures can help with the diagnosis.

X-ray passport no longer needs to be provided

Since the turn of the year, medical practices and clinics are no longer required by law to provide patients with an X-ray passport and to register X-ray examinations in one. Nevertheless, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) advises to keep a record of radiation diagnostic examinations. This includes not only X-ray but also nuclear medicine applications. In addition, the experts recommend that they be informed about procedures for which no X-rays or radioactive substances are used. These include ultrasound diagnostics and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).

Every X-ray examination is associated with a radiation risk. Excessive X-ray applications should therefore be avoided at all costs. (Image: Minerva Studio / fotolia.com)

Do without unnecessary repeat examinations

"We assume that every X-ray examination involves a certain - albeit minor - radiation risk," said BfS President Inge Paulini.

"For the purpose of precautionary radiation protection, therefore, any unnecessary X-ray examinations should be avoided," says the expert.

"The BfS recommends patients to keep a document in which medical practices and clinics voluntarily register X-ray and nuclear medicine examinations," said Paulini.

"This can be compared with previous recordings and can be dispensed with an unnecessary re-examination."

Every German is X-rayed on average 1.7 times a year

It has been reported that medical applications of ionizing radiation contribute significantly to the artificial radiation exposure of the population.

In Germany, about 135 million X-ray examinations are performed every year, so on average every German citizen is x-rayed 1.7 times a year.

The resulting radiation exposure is around 1.6 millisievert according to the BfS.

For comparison, the average natural radiation exposure to which a person in this country is exposed on average per year is 2.1 millisieverts.

Benefit must be greater than the risk

Radiodiagnostic use should only be performed when all previous findings have been carefully assessed and it is clear that this X-ray or nuclear medical examination is an added value.

This results from the so-called justifiable indication prescribed by law: Accordingly, a radiographic diagnostic measure is justified only if the patient benefits from the examination, which must be greater than the risk.

Even though the X-ray pass is no longer legally required, the BfS provides a downloadable document on its website, which can still be used for personal documentation. (Ad)