Quantifying radiation safety and quality in medical imaging, part 2: the radiation scorecard.

As the utilization of medical imaging services continues to expand, so does the delivery of ionizing radiation. Although recent efforts within the medical imaging community have begun to focus on radiation dose reduction for computed tomography, very few objective data related to radiation dose are currently being prospectively collected, tracked, or analyzed. Without a comprehensive program aimed at objective and reproducible radiation data analysis, ongoing efforts at dose optimization will, in all likelihood, remain marginalized. The proposed radiation scorecard provides an analysis of events within the imaging chain, attempts to involve all stakeholders, and addresses the various technologies being utilized. The combined data can in turn be used for education and training, certification, research, development of best practice guidelines, and new technology development.