SErIES IAEA HumAn HEAltH SErIES IAEA Hum

protection and clinical outcome. The other health professionals involved in the
preparation for, and delivery of, the examination also have specific
responsibilities in regard to patient protection, safety and care [4].
4.1.1. Referral of the patient for examination
4.1.1.1. Appropriateness of examination/justification
The radiology consultation begins with the critical task of selection of the
examination required.
In health screening programmes of asymptomatic populations, specific
justification for a radiological examination should be established by the relevant
health authorities.
An examination intended for the health screening of an individual, but not
as part of an approved health screening programme, requires justification by the
radiological medical practitioner and the referring medical practitioner 5 , in
accordance with the guidelines of relevant professional bodies.
Justification of the specific examination requested for any individual
patient is informed by clinical assessment of the patient, existing guidelines/
criteria for referral and examination availability.
Justification of an examination requires evidence that the diagnostic
benefits of the examination outweigh the risks for the patient, particularly if the
patient is pregnant or potentially pregnant, breastfeeding or paediatric, and is
based on a knowledge of the:
—Indications for available examinations;
—Advantages and limitations of examination options;
—Complementary nature of other examinations;
—Results of prior examinations;
—Risk–benefit considerations including adverse effects;
—Contraindications.
Appropriate clinical information is essential for good quality radiology
practice. While it is the responsibility of the referring medical practitioner to
ensure that the request contains the necessary information, the facility should
5
A referring medical practitioner is defined as a health professional who, in accordance
with national requirements, may refer individuals for medical exposure to a radiological
medical practitioner.
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