A group of Japanese medical societies has established the country's first diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for radiation dose.
The DRLs have been established based on the results of the latest nationwide surveys conducted by liaison organizations of the Japan Network for Research and Information on Medical Exposures (J-RIME) and advice from experts belonging to international bodies.
The Japan Medical Imaging and Radiological Systems Industries Association (JIRA) and the National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS) were involved in the effort.
According to the new reference levels, the effective radiation dose for an adult is about 3 mSv for a head CT exam or about 8 mSv for a chest exam.
