181982937-Clark-s-Pocket-Handbook-For-Radiographers-pdf (1)

Justification Of Examination
JUSTIFICATION OF EXAMINATION
Upon receipt of a request for an X-ray examination, the radiographer
needs to carefully consider if the requested examination is appropriate
to undertake. In other words – is the examination justified?
The radiographer should consider several questions when assessing
any request for imaging:
■ Will the examination change the clinical management of
the patient?
Although this can be a contentious area, the radiographer should
consider if the requested examination will be of benefit to the
patient and if the findings will affect the treatment or management
of the patient.
■ Does the completed request comply with local protocol?
For example, is the request card completed in a legible manner? Are
the patient demographics correct? Is the requested examination in
line with the departmental protocol? Is the referrer identified and
working within their referral protocol?
■ Are the details of previous operations or other relevant recent
imaging included?
This may have a bearing on the projections taken or the validity of
the requested examination.
■ What are the risks/benefits of the examination?
Even low X-ray doses can cause changes to cell DNA, leading to
increased probability of cancer occurring in the years following the
exposure. Although in many cases the probability of this occurring
is low, the risk of this occurring should always be balanced against
the benefits of the patient undergoing the examination. This is often
acutely emphasized when seriously ill patients undergo frequent
X-ray examinations and the need to carefully consider each request
is very important. Consultation with radiological colleagues is often
required if there is any doubt over the legitimacy of any request.
■ Does the request comply with government legislation?
Legislation varies between countries; however, the request should
comply with national legislation where applicable. In the UK the
underlying legislation is known as the Ionising Radiation (Medical
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