Radiological Society (2), on the other hand, stated that the Society had
"endorsed the findings and the recommendations of the N.A.S.' and planned
to cooperate.
The present tentative plans* of the New York State Society are to furnish
patients with a record card showing the type of X-ray examination and the
estimated gonadal dse with spaces for future @jmtries.
In order to assist
the physician or dentist in filling out the card, a literature search was
conducted and an unexpected amount of data, both experimental and estimated,
was found. The results of the search are given in the table. An inspection of the table shows certain inconsistencies in the data which indicate
the need for further experimental work. The table shows also that the
gonadal dose associated with certain examinations, such as the teeth, skull,
chest, and extremities, when compared to that in the case of pelvic and
abdominal examinations, is relatively insignificant. In fact the small
gonadal exposure from the former group could undoubtedly be reduced to
practically zero, if warranted, by local shielding.
Also included in the table are some recent data on the dose to the fetus,
which is importmt genetically, but would presmt a recording problem for
an unborn and unidentifiable person. An attempt is being made to arrive at
reasonable estimates of the average dose for each common technique in order
to furnish radiologists with a more usable table.
It has been proposed that a uniform country-wide policy on the matter be
established by a group such as the American College of Radiology. Questions
such as to the need for radiologists to keep permanent records of each
patient's gonadal exposure should be answered, Although the recommendation
mentions life-time exposure and parts of the report relate life span with
total body dose, the dose limitations recommended refer only to gonadal dose.
If the recommendations of the National Academy of Sciences are to be
implemented, some concerted action by the medical and dental profession is
indicated.
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(2)
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It has recentlybeen decided to test the planned program in a relatively
small cohesive community to determine the degree of interest and cooperation from the professions and the public.
P. Ae Robin, M. D., President of the New York State Radiological
Society, June 19, 1956.
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