RADIATION DOSIMETRY IN MEDICAL IMAGING: A REVIEW OF TECHNIQUES AND SAFETY STANDARDS

Techniques of medical imaging, including X-rays, computed tomography (CT), fluoroscopy, and nuclear medicine, have become essential in diagnosis and treatment planning. Nevertheless, these modalities subject patients and medical practitioners to ionizing radiations, and therefore, radiation dosimetry is an important element in the medical field. The project is a narrative review of radiation dosimetry in medical imaging that focuses on measurement methods, safe limits, and modern advances. Thematic analysis of 45 scholarly and institutional sources was conducted which addressed four areas: (1) techniques of dosimetry, (2) safety standards and diagnostic reference values (DRLs), (3) technological advances including artificial intelligence (AI), real-time monitoring, and wearable dosimeters, and (4) local training and compliance shortcomings. Results indicate that despite the dominance of thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs), optically stimulated semiconductors (OSLDs), and ionization chambers, there are emerging technologies that can transform radiation monitoring and optimization. The International frameworks, especially those of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) offer stringent safety principles, but there exist gaps in compliance, especially in low-resource regions. It is concluded that attainment of global radiation safety should be a balanced measure where enhanced policy enforcement, training, publicity and the use of advanced dosimetry tools shall be incorporated. Recommendations involve periodical updating processes of DRLs, mandatory safety audits, funding of AI-enhanced systems, and the availability of subsidized access to updated dosimeters to create consistent safety conditions in medical imaging across the globe. KEYWORDS: Radiation dosimetry, Dosimetry techniques, Radiation, Medical imaging WORD COUNT: 236 words