The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has today published new national guidelines on the use of medical radiological procedures, such as X-rays and CT scans for the early detection of disease, in people who have no signs or symptoms of that disease and where they are not part of a health screening programme.

Under Irish law, HIQA must issue guidance on the safe and appropriate use of medical radiological procedures for the early detection of disease outside national screening programmes. While the risks are generally considered to be low, all medical exposures to ionising radiation carry some risk, so ensuring the benefits outweigh the risks (a process known as justification) is essential.

The new guidelines outline eight requirements to ensure medical radiological procedures are only used when they are justified, when alternative options have been considered, and when individuals are fully informed before undergoing exposure to radiation. Each case must be individually justified by an appropriately trained and recognised healthcare practitioner.

The guidelines were developed following the completion of an evidence review and engaging with an expert advisory group, which included patients and patient advocates, health care professionals, and experts in radiation protection. In addition, a series of focus groups was conducted, followed by a public and targeted consultation in order to gain feedback from a broad range of stakeholders.

Dr Máirín Ryan, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Health Technology Assessment said: “These guidelines focus on ensuring people are protected from unnecessary radiation exposure while still benefiting from the early detection of disease. They provide healthcare professionals with clear, evidence-informed guidelines to support safe decision-making for individuals who have no signs or symptoms, but may be at risk of disease.”

The guidelines apply to all healthcare providers involved in medical radiological procedures, including dentists, doctors, nurses and radiographers.

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Further information: 

Caoimhe O’Connell
Communications Manager 
087 639 5916
caoconnell@hiqa.ie 

Notes to the Editor:

• Under SI 256 of 2019, as amended, HIQA is required to publish guidelines for the specific justification of medical radiological procedures on asymptomatic individuals, performed for the early detection of disease, outside of a health screening programme. These guidelines also apply to medical radiological procedures on asymptomatic individuals who have a history of a treated condition and have completed treatment and follow-up.
• A medical exposure means an exposure incurred as part of an individual’s own medical or dental diagnosis or treatment, and intended to benefit their health.
• For the purpose of these guidelines, a health screening programme refers to a national, organised population-based screening programme.
• Justification is the process of demonstrating that there is a sufficient net benefit associated with a radiation exposure.
• Undertakings will be contacted in due course regarding webinars which HIQA will host to provide more information about the guidelines.