Patient dose values in interventional radiology.

Large exposures incurred in interventional radiology procedures make it advisable to establish reference dose values. These dose values should be quoted in quantities representative of the radiological risk to the patient. In Spain, measurement methods were developed to comply with the European Directive on Patient Protection. Dose-area product and, when feasible, surface dose using thermoluminescent dosimetry chips were measured. Both approaches are discussed, as well as their potential use in patient protection programmes. Initial results are presented for a sample of 680 patients in 10 hospital centres in Spain. Mean, median and range are reported for some specific procedures. Mean values of 8750, 6651, 6663, 9292 and 6816 cGy cm2 are reported for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, coronary angiography, low extremity, renal and cerebral arteriographies, respectively.