Radiological protection of the patient: an integral part of quality of care.

Modern medicine now demands rapid diagnosis and treatment often centered on multiple investigations using ionizing radiation, particularly computed tomography (CT). Technological development continues at a rapid pace, and there is also an inexorable rise in minimally invasive therapy using fluoroscopically guided techniques. This has offered great benefit to many patients, who otherwise may not be fit enough for more invasive surgery. However, there are now many younger patients being treated using such techniques, where the risks of radiation in the longer term become more of an issue.