How effective is effective dose as a predictor of radiation risk?

Cynthia H. McCollough, Jodie A. Christner, James M. Kofler

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

111 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE. This article discusses the relatively recent adoption of effective dose in medicine that allows comparison between different imaging techniques, and describes the principles, pitfalls, and potential value of effective dose. The medical community must use this information wisely, realizing that effective dose represents a generic estimate of risk from a given procedure for a generic model of the human body. CONCLUSION. Effective dose is not the risk for any one individual. Due to the inherent uncertainties and oversimplifications involved, effective dose should not be used for epidemiologic studies or for estimating population risks.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)890-896
Number of pages7
JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology
Volume194
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2010

Keywords

  • Dose-length product
  • Effective dose
  • ICRP
  • Radiation risk

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'How effective is effective dose as a predictor of radiation risk?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this