Abstract

When the German Commission on Radiological Protection worked out a guidance on radiological and nuclear medical examinations in Germany on behalf of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety in 2006, continuous adjustment of the recommendations to the actual state of medical science and technology was stipulated. During the two years elapsed since the publications of the first edition, constructive proposals for amendments and improvements have been contributed by physicians, scientific organisations and working groups. Following assessment by an expert group, these proposals were largely adopted either directly or after minor modifications. Furthermore, the use of diagnostic imaging was reviewed and adjusted to the state of science. Alterations were also made to the weighting of the various procedures, e.g. ultrasound and magnetic resonance tomography have gained in importance in the clarification of several problems. The spectrum of indications for PET and PET/CT has enlarged as well. The nationwide introduction of the breast cancer early detection programme (Mammography screening) in Germany also permitted to account for the recommendations on examinations of asymptomatic women 50 to 69 years of age.

The updated version of the guidance was passed by the SSK as a recommendation in its 231 meeting on 09./10. December 2009.