Navigate the essential regulatory requirements and compliance standards for radiography practice across multiple imaging modalities.
Each modality section follows the same structure: Radiographer responsibilities, Safety, Equipment & QA,
Regulatory Framework, and Key References.
What Are Regulatory Requirements?
Radiography practice is governed by a combination of legislation, professional regulation, safety
requirements, technical standards, and professional guidance. Together, these define what
radiographers must do to practise safely, legally, and competently.
Requirements vary between countries. A radiographer working in the UK is subject to different
legislation and regulators than one working in India, the USA, or Europe. However, the underlying
principles — justification, optimisation, patient safety, occupational protection, and equipment
quality assurance — are consistent worldwide.
This section helps radiographers understand which regulations apply, who is responsible for them,
what safety requirements exist, and where to find authoritative guidance.
What a Radiographer Needs to Know
Regardless of country or modality, every radiographer should understand the following:
Professional registration and scope of practice
Be registered with the appropriate national regulator and practise within your legal scope.
Professional competence and CPD
Maintain competence through continuing professional development and stay informed of regulatory updates.
Patient safety and identification
Correct patient identification, pregnancy screening where relevant, and adherence to local safety procedures.
Justification and optimisation
Every ionising radiation exposure must be clinically justified and the dose kept as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA).
Radiation protection
Apply time, distance, and shielding principles; use protective equipment correctly; manage controlled areas.
Occupational exposure
Wear personal dose monitoring, know your occupational dose limits, and report abnormal exposures.
Equipment safety and QA
Equipment must meet acceptance criteria, undergo periodic QA testing, and be operated safely with dose displays and interlocks understood.
Local procedures and incident reporting
Know your department's local rules, understand your responsibilities, and report incidents through the correct channels.
Main Regulatory Categories
Regulatory requirements fall into five distinct categories. Legislation and regulation are legally
binding; professional guidance represents recognised best practice. Understanding the difference
helps radiographers know what is mandatory and what is recommended.
🏭
Professional Regulation
Legally binding
Registration to practise
Scope of practice
Competence and CPD
Examples: HCPC (UK), ARRT (USA), and equivalent national regulators.
Examples: SoR (UK), ICRP, IAEA Radiation Protection of Patients. Not legislation, but recognised good practice.
How to Use This Section
Select the imaging modality relevant to your practice using the tabs above. Each modality follows
the same five-part structure so you can find information quickly:
1.Radiographer — professional responsibilities and competence requirements
2.Safety — radiation or modality-specific safety requirements
3.Equipment & QA — quality assurance and equipment safety
4.Regulatory Framework — the legislation and regulators that apply
5.Key References — authoritative sources for further reading
Review the radiographer responsibilities first, then the safety requirements, and finally the
equipment and QA sections. Use the regulatory framework and key references to access the original
legislation and authoritative guidance.
Always follow the legislation and local procedures applicable to your country and workplace.
This section provides general guidance and does not replace local rules or national legislation.
Radiographer — What You Need to Know
General X-ray is the most common imaging modality and the foundation of radiographic practice.
The following responsibilities apply to every radiographer performing X-ray examinations.
Professional registration and scope of practice
Be registered with the appropriate national regulator and practise within your legal scope.
Justification and optimisation
Examinations must be justified by an entitled duty-holder under IR(ME)R or equivalent local regulations. Radiographers optimise dose (ALARA) within their local entitlement and department protocols.
Patient identification and examination checks
Correct patient identification, verify the request, confirm the correct body part and projection before exposure.
Professional competence and CPD
Maintain competence through continuing professional development and stay informed of regulatory updates.
Responsibilities under local procedures
Follow department local rules, understand your role and responsibilities, and report incidents through the correct channels.
Safety
X-ray uses ionising radiation. The following safety principles apply to every examination.
Patient radiation protection
Apply collimation, follow current local policy on patient shielding, and keep repeats to a minimum.
Occupational exposure
Follow local radiation monitoring and protection arrangements, use personal dosimetry where required, and apply time, distance, and shielding principles.
Local radiation safety requirements
Follow controlled and supervised area rules, wear protective equipment, and adhere to local radiation protection procedures.
Pregnancy considerations
Screen for pregnancy where relevant, follow local pregnancy checking procedures, and apply alternative imaging where appropriate.
Mobile and bedside X-ray safety
Apply distance and shielding for staff and other patients. Use protective aprons where appropriate according to local risk assessment and policy.
Dose optimisation
Use diagnostic reference levels (DRLs), optimise exposure factors, and apply paediatric dose reduction techniques where relevant.
Equipment & QA
X-ray equipment must meet regulatory standards and undergo routine quality assurance testing.
Equipment acceptance and commissioning
New X-ray equipment must pass acceptance testing and be commissioned before clinical use, with regulatory clearance where required.
Routine QA
Perform regular quality control checks on tube output, collimation, and image receptor performance as part of the QA programme.
Exposure controls and AEC
Understand automatic exposure control (AEC) operation, manual exposure settings, and dose indicator displays.
Image quality and dose monitoring
Monitor image quality standards and patient dose trends against DRLs. Investigate outliers and take corrective action.
Equipment faults and reporting
Stop using equipment where a fault may affect safety or image quality, following local procedures. Report through the correct channels and document the fault.
Regulatory Framework
X-ray regulation varies by country. The cards below summarise the key legislation, regulators,
standards, and professional guidance. Legislation is legally binding; professional guidance
represents recognised best practice.
🇬🍷
United Kingdom
Legislation
IR(ME)R — medical exposure regulations
IRR17 — worker and area radiation safety
Regulator
HCPC — professional registration and conduct
IR(ME)R and IRR17 are legally binding. HCPC registration is required to practise.
🇺🇸
United States
Regulation
FDA — federal regulation of radiation-emitting equipment
State radiation-control authorities — state-specific regulation
Professional
ARRT — professional certification and registration
Guidance
ACR — accreditation and professional practice guidance
State requirements vary. ARRT certification is widely required. ACR provides accreditation and practice guidance.
The Regulatory Requirements section provides a concise introduction. Detailed learning resources on IR(ME)R, IRR17, HCPC, radiation protection, QA, and country-specific regulations will be developed separately.
Fluoroscopy involves real-time X-ray imaging and can deliver significantly higher radiation doses than
standard radiography. The following responsibilities apply to every radiographer operating fluoroscopic equipment.
Professional registration and scope of practice
Be registered with the appropriate national regulator and practise within your legal scope for fluoroscopic procedures.
Competence and CPD
Maintain competence in fluoroscopic equipment operation and radiation protection through continuing professional development.
Patient identification and procedure checks
Correct patient identification, confirm the procedure request, and verify consent before starting fluoroscopy.
Justification and optimisation responsibilities
Procedures must be justified by an entitled duty-holder under IR(ME)R or equivalent local regulations. Radiographers optimise dose during fluoroscopy within their local entitlement.
Understanding fluoroscopy dose indicators
Know how to read dose-area product (DAP/KAP), dose-rate, and cumulative air kerma displays, and understand what they mean for patient and staff safety.
Following local fluoroscopy protocols
Follow department protocols for each procedure type, including collimation, magnification modes, and pulse rate settings.
Responsibilities during prolonged and interventional procedures
Monitor dose throughout prolonged procedures, communicate dose information to the operator, and follow local triggers for dose review or clinical escalation.
Safety
Fluoroscopy can deliver some of the highest radiation doses in diagnostic imaging. The following safety
principles are specific to fluoroscopic practice.
Patient radiation dose
Minimise fluoroscopy time, use collimation, select low-dose and pulsed modes where available, and follow current local policy on patient shielding.
Occupational exposure
Follow local radiation monitoring and protection arrangements, use personal dosimetry where required, and apply time, distance, and shielding principles.
Staff positioning
Stand as far from the X-ray source as practical, avoid the primary beam, and position behind protective screens where available.
Personal protective equipment
Use protective aprons, thyroid shields, and eye protection where appropriate according to local risk assessment and policy.
Dose monitoring and recording
Record DAP/KAP and cumulative dose for each procedure. Follow local procedures for high-dose alerts and patient dose tracking.
Prolonged and interventional procedures
Follow local dose thresholds and alert triggers. Communicate dose information to the operator at agreed intervals and document the final dose.
Pregnancy considerations
Screen for pregnancy where relevant, follow local pregnancy checking procedures, and apply alternative approaches where appropriate.
Minimising unnecessary fluoroscopy and image acquisitions
Use last-image-hold and pulse modes, avoid continuous fluoroscopy when intermittent imaging suffices, and limit the number of recorded images.
Equipment & QA
Fluoroscopic equipment must meet regulatory standards and undergo routine quality assurance testing.
Equipment acceptance and commissioning
New fluoroscopy equipment must pass acceptance testing and be commissioned before clinical use, with regulatory clearance where required.
Routine QA
Perform regular quality control checks on dose-rate output, collimation, image quality, and dose display accuracy as part of the QA programme.
Fluoroscopy dose-rate controls
Understand how dose-rate modes affect patient dose, select the lowest dose-rate compatible with the clinical task, and use high-dose modes only when clinically necessary.
Pulsed fluoroscopy
Use pulsed fluoroscopy with the lowest pulse rate that maintains adequate image quality for the procedure.
Automatic exposure control
Understand how AEC operates during fluoroscopy, including its effect on dose-rate and image quality when patient thickness changes.
Dose/DAP/KAP display
Verify that dose displays (DAP/KAP, cumulative air kerma, dose-rate) are functioning correctly and read accurately before and during procedures.
Image quality and dose optimisation
Balance image quality against dose. Use magnification only when clinically necessary and follow local DRLs for fluoroscopic procedures.
Equipment faults and reporting
Stop using equipment where a fault may affect safety or image quality, following local procedures. Report through the correct channels and document the fault.
Regulatory Framework
Fluoroscopy regulation varies by country. The cards below summarise the key legislation, regulators,
standards, and professional guidance. Legislation is legally binding; professional guidance
represents recognised best practice.
🇬🍷
United Kingdom
Legislation
IR(ME)R — medical exposure regulations
IRR17 — worker and area radiation safety
Regulator
HCPC — professional registration and conduct
IR(ME)R and IRR17 are legally binding. HCPC registration is required to practise.
🇺🇸
United States
Regulation
FDA — federal regulation of radiation-emitting equipment
State radiation-control authorities — state-specific regulation
Professional
ARRT — professional certification and registration
Guidance
ACR — accreditation and professional practice guidance
State requirements vary. ARRT certification is widely required. ACR provides accreditation and practice guidance.
Detailed learning resources on fluoroscopy radiation protection, dose management, IR(ME)R, IRR17, equipment QA, and country-specific requirements will be developed separately.
Computed Tomography (CT) involves higher radiation exposure compared to conventional radiography and is
therefore subject to strict regulatory oversight. This section explains CT regulatory requirements from
the perspectives of radiographers, safety, equipment QA, and the regulatory framework.
Radiographer — What You Need to Know
CT delivers higher radiation doses than conventional radiography and requires careful protocol
management. The following responsibilities apply to every radiographer operating CT scanners.
Professional registration and scope of practice
Be registered with the appropriate national regulator and practise within your legal scope for CT.
Justification and optimisation responsibilities
CT examinations must be justified by an entitled duty-holder under IR(ME)R or equivalent local regulations. Radiographers optimise protocols within their local entitlement and department protocols.
Patient identification and examination checks
Correct patient identification, verify the request, confirm the scan area and protocol, and screen for pregnancy where relevant.
CT protocol selection
Select the correct protocol for the clinical indication. Do not use default protocols blindly — adapt to the question being asked.
Protocol optimisation for the clinical indication and patient
Adapt scan range, phases, kVp, and tube current to the patient size and clinical question. Avoid unnecessary multiphase acquisitions.
Understanding CTDIvol and DLP
Know how to read CTDIvol (a standardised scanner dose index) and DLP (which incorporates scan length). Neither represents the exact individual patient dose.
Professional competence and CPD
Maintain competence in CT dose optimisation and protocol management through continuing professional development.
Responsibilities under local procedures
Follow department CT protocols and local rules, understand your role and responsibilities, and report incidents through the correct channels.
Safety
CT involves higher radiation doses than most other imaging modalities. Dose optimisation and
understanding CT dose metrics are essential safety responsibilities.
Patient radiation protection
Optimise scan range and phases, avoid unnecessary repeat acquisitions, and follow current local policy on patient shielding.
Occupational exposure
Follow local radiation monitoring and protection arrangements, use personal dosimetry where required, and apply time, distance, and shielding principles.
Pregnancy considerations
Screen for pregnancy where relevant, follow local pregnancy checking procedures, and consider alternative imaging where appropriate.
CT Dose Optimisation
Optimisation should maintain the diagnostic information required while avoiding unnecessary radiation.
The following parameters are key levers for reducing CT dose:
Appropriate kVp
Lower kVp can reduce dose for smaller patients and contrast-enhanced studies. Match kVp to patient size and clinical task.
Tube current modulation / AEC
AEC and tube current modulation adapt mAs to patient attenuation. Ensure the patient is correctly centred for modulation to work effectively.
Pitch
Increasing pitch reduces dose but can affect image quality. Understand the trade-off for your scanner and protocol.
Scan length
Limit the scan range to the anatomy of clinical interest. Avoid over-scanning into adjacent regions unnecessarily.
Reconstruction techniques
Iterative and model-based reconstruction can allow lower mAs while maintaining image quality. Understand which algorithms your scanner supports.
Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs)
DRLs are optimisation tools, not dose limits. They represent typical dose levels for
common examinations on standard-sized patients. If your CT doses consistently exceed local or
national DRLs, this should trigger a dose review and optimisation.
In the UK, national CT DRLs are published by UKHSA. Each department should also establish local
DRLs and review them regularly.
CTDIvol and DLP
CTDIvol — standardised scanner dose index
CTDIvol is a standardised measure of CT dose per rotation. It allows comparison between protocols and scanners but does not represent the exact individual patient dose.
DLP — incorporates scan length
DLP = CTDIvol × scan length. It reflects the total scan output but still does not equal the exact patient effective dose.
AAPM Report 96 — The Measurement, Reporting, and Management of Radiation Dose in CT.
Authoritative reference for CTDIvol and DLP methodology.
Patient Size and SSDE
CT dose varies with patient size. The same CTDIvol represents a higher dose for a smaller patient
and a lower dose for a larger patient. Size-Specific Dose Estimate (SSDE) adjusts CTDIvol for
patient size to provide a more realistic estimate.
SSDE — size-adjusted dose estimate
SSDE uses patient size (e.g., water-equivalent diameter) to adjust CTDIvol. Refer to AAPM Reports 204, 220, and 293 for methodology.
Paediatric CT
Use dedicated paediatric protocols
Children are more sensitive to radiation. Use age- and size-appropriate protocols with reduced kVp, mAs, and scan length. Never simply apply adult protocols to children.
Equipment & QA
CT equipment must meet regulatory standards and undergo routine quality assurance testing.
Acceptance and commissioning
New CT equipment must pass appropriate acceptance testing before clinical use, with regulatory clearance where required.
Routine QA
Perform regular quality control checks covering image quality, dose performance, and equipment safety as part of the QA programme.
AEC and tube current modulation
AEC and tube current modulation adapt exposure to patient attenuation. Ensure correct patient centring for modulation to function effectively.
Dose display and monitoring
Verify that CTDIvol and DLP displays are functioning correctly. Monitor dose trends against local and national DRLs and trigger dose review where values are consistently high.
Image quality and dose balance
Maintain diagnostic image quality while avoiding unnecessary exposure. Use iterative reconstruction and noise-reduction tools to allow lower dose where clinically appropriate.
Equipment performance and faults
Stop using equipment where a fault may affect safety or image quality, following local procedures. Report through the correct channels and document the fault.
AAPM Report 233 — CT system performance evaluation. Refer to this report for
CT system performance testing methodology.
Regulatory Framework
CT regulation varies by country. The cards below summarise the key legislation, regulators,
standards, and professional guidance. Legislation is legally binding; professional guidance
represents recognised best practice.
🇬🍷
United Kingdom
Legislation
IR(ME)R — medical exposures, justification and optimisation
IRR17 — protection of workers and others from ionising radiation
Regulator
HCPC — professional regulation and standards
Optimisation
UK National Diagnostic Reference Levels — CT optimisation reference levels (UKHSA)
IR(ME)R and IRR17 are legally binding. HCPC registration is required to practise. National DRLs are optimisation benchmarks, not dose limits.
🇺🇸
United States
Regulation
FDA — federal regulation of radiation-emitting equipment
State radiation-control programmes — state-specific requirements
Professional
ARRT — professional certification and registration
Guidance
ACR — accreditation and professional practice guidance
AAPM — CT dose and medical physics guidance
State requirements vary. ARRT provides professional certification, not general regulatory authority. AAPM provides technical guidance.
MRI is a non-ionising modality and has a separate safety framework from ionising radiation.
This section will cover MR safety, equipment QA, and the regulatory framework.
Radiographer — What You Need to Know
MRI uses strong static magnetic fields, switched gradient fields, and radiofrequency (RF) energy —
not ionising radiation. MRI has a separate safety framework from X-ray, CT, and
fluoroscopy. MRI safety is a shared responsibility involving appropriately trained staff and local
MRI safety arrangements.
Professional registration, scope and competence
Be registered with the appropriate national regulator and practise within your legal scope for MRI.
MRI safety training and local authorisation
Complete appropriate MRI safety training and be locally authorised before working independently in the MRI environment.
Patient identification and MRI safety screening
Correct patient identification and complete MRI safety screening before every scan. Screening must be documented and verified.
Implant, device and foreign-body checks
Verify implants and devices against manufacturer conditions and MR safety information. Never assume an implant is safe without appropriate verification.
MR Safe / MR Conditional / MR Unsafe terminology
Understand and apply the MR safety terms defined in IEC and ACR/AIM guidance. Only MR Safe items may enter the scanner room without restriction.
Following local MRI safety procedures
Follow department MRI safety policies and local rules at all times. Understand your role within the local MRI safety chain.
Emergency procedures and incident reporting
Know the emergency procedures for patient collapse, quench, and fire. Report all MRI safety incidents through the correct local channels.
Contrast safety where applicable
Where gadolinium-based contrast is used, follow local contrast policy, check renal function where required, and document consent and administration.
MR Safety
MRI presents unique hazards from strong static magnetic fields, RF energy, switched gradient fields,
and acoustic noise. Understanding these hazards is essential for every radiographer working in MRI.
Static Magnetic Field
Projectile and attraction risk
Ferromagnetic objects can become dangerous projectiles in the static field. All equipment entering the scanner room must be verified MR Safe or MR Conditional.
Access control
Control access to the MRI environment. Only appropriately screened and authorised personnel, patients, and items should enter controlled areas.
Safe movement of equipment and objects
The static field is always on. Be aware of the fringe field at all times, including when the scanner is not scanning.
RF Energy
Tissue heating and SAR
RF energy deposits heat in tissue. Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) is monitored by the scanner. Follow SAR limits and local protocols for high-SAR sequences.
Patient positioning and conductive loops
Avoid positioning that creates conductive loops (e.g., crossed arms, skin-to-skin contact) which can cause RF burns. Use padding to prevent skin contact.
Gradient Fields
Peripheral nerve stimulation
Rapidly switched gradient fields can stimulate peripheral nerves. Follow scanner limits and protocol settings to stay within safe operating ranges.
Device and implant considerations
Gradient fields can induce currents in implants. Check manufacturer MR Conditional information for gradient limits before scanning patients with implants.
Acoustic Noise
Hearing protection
MRI scanners produce loud acoustic noise. Provide hearing protection for all patients and staff in the scanner room during scanning.
Communication with the patient
Maintain two-way communication throughout the scan. Ensure the patient can alert staff at any time if they experience discomfort.
Implants and Medical Devices
Screening and verification
Screen all patients for implants and devices before scanning. Verify MR safety status using manufacturer documentation or recognised databases.
MR Conditional device conditions
Follow the manufacturer's specific conditions for MR Conditional devices (field strength, SAR, gradient limits, scan duration). Never assume an implant is safe without appropriate verification.
Patient Screening
Comprehensive screening
Screen for implants, devices, metallic foreign bodies, previous surgery, pregnancy according to local policy, and any other relevant safety risks.
MRI Zones
MRI suites use controlled-access zones to restrict entry to the magnetic field environment.
The exact zone arrangement may differ between countries and facilities — always follow your
local MRI safety policy and signage.
Emergency Procedures
Patient emergency
Remove the patient from the scanner room before initiating resuscitation. MR Unsafe emergency equipment must not enter the scanner room.
Fire and emergency response
Follow local fire procedures. Only MR Safe or MR Conditional fire-fighting equipment may enter the scanner room.
Quench considerations
Understand what a quench is, the risks of cryogen venting, and the local procedure for a quench emergency. Never initiate a quench unless authorised and trained.
Equipment & QA
MRI equipment must meet regulatory standards and undergo routine quality assurance testing.
Acceptance and commissioning
New MRI equipment must pass appropriate acceptance testing before clinical use, with regulatory clearance where required.
Routine equipment QA
Perform regular quality control checks covering image quality, geometric accuracy, and system performance as part of the QA programme.
Image quality and system performance
Monitor image quality trends and investigate artefact patterns that may indicate system performance issues.
RF and coil checks
Verify RF coil performance and integrity regularly. Damaged or faulty coils can affect image quality and patient safety.
SAR and system safety monitoring
Verify that SAR monitoring, gradient limits, and safety interlocks are functioning correctly before clinical scanning.
Gradient and acoustic safety
Ensure gradient performance and acoustic noise levels remain within safe operating limits. Follow local procedures for performance issues.
Cryogen safety where applicable
For superconducting systems, understand cryogen handling, venting, and quench procedures. Follow local cryogen safety arrangements.
Equipment faults and reporting
Stop using equipment where a fault may affect safety or image quality, following local procedures. Report through the correct channels and document the fault.
Regulatory Framework
MRI safety regulation and guidance vary by country. The cards below summarise the key regulators,
standards, and professional guidance. MRI does not use ionising radiation, so the framework differs
from X-ray, CT, and fluoroscopy.
🇬🍷
United Kingdom
Principal guidance
MHRA Safety Guidelines for MRI Equipment in Clinical Use — principal UK MRI safety guidance
Regulator
HCPC — professional regulation and standards for radiographers
Regulation
Applicable UK medical-device and workplace safety requirements
Employer and local MRI safety arrangements
MHRA guidelines are the primary UK reference for MRI safety. All departments should follow employer/local MRI safety arrangements based on MHRA guidance.
🇺🇸
United States
Regulation
FDA — medical device regulation
State requirements — state-specific requirements where applicable
Professional
ARRT — professional certification and registration
Guidance
ACR — MR safety guidance and accreditation
The 2026 ACR Manual on MR Safety is a current major reference for MR safety practice.
🇪🇺
Europe
Regulation
EU medical-device framework — applicable regulations
National competent authorities — country-specific requirements
Standards
Applicable European and international MR safety standards
EU member states apply the medical-device framework through their own national authorities.
🇮🇳
India
Regulation
AERB — where applicable to MRI regulatory requirements
Applicable national medical-device and safety requirements
Local
Institutional MRI safety procedures — follow local department policy
MRI-specific regulatory requirements in India vary by institution. Follow local MRI safety procedures and applicable national requirements.
🌐
International
Standards
IEC 60601-2-33 — safety and essential performance requirements for medical MRI equipment
Guidance
ACR — MR safety guidance
Relevant international MR safety guidance and standards
IEC 60601-2-33 is the key international standard for MRI equipment safety. ACR provides widely used MR safety guidance.
Regulatory bodies and standards vary by country. This section provides an overview of the key
organisations and standards across the UK, USA, Europe, India, and international bodies.
United Kingdom
The UK has a clear separation between statutory regulation, legislation, and professional guidance.
Note that some differences exist between UK nations — always follow applicable local legislation.
🎯
Professional Regulation
Statutory regulator
HCPC — Health and Care Professions Council. Statutory regulator for radiographers. Registration, standards of proficiency, conduct, and CPD requirements.
HCPC is the legal professional regulator. Registration is required to practise as a radiographer in the UK.
⚛
Medical Exposure
Legislation
IR(ME)R — Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations. Governs medical exposures: justification, optimisation, duty-holder responsibilities (employer, referrer, practitioner, operator), and DRLs.
IR(ME)R is legally binding legislation, not professional guidance.
⚠
Occupational Radiation Protection
Legislation
IRR17 — Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017. Protection of workers and others from ionising radiation. Controlled/supervised areas, RPA appointments, occupational dose limits and monitoring.
IRR17 is enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
🪔
MRI Safety
Safety guidance
MHRA — Safety Guidelines for MRI Equipment in Clinical Use. Principal UK MRI safety guidance from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
MHRA guidance is the primary UK reference for MRI safety. MRI does not use ionising radiation.
📚
Professional Guidance
Professional body
Society of Radiographers (SoR) / College of Radiographers (CoR) — Professional body providing practice guidance, standards, education resources, and professional conduct guidance. Distinct from statutory regulation.
SoR/CoR = professional body and source of professional guidance. Not a statutory regulator.
The US has a layered system: federal equipment regulation, state-level radiation control,
professional certification, and accreditation/guidance from professional bodies.
🇺🇸
Federal Regulation
Regulation
FDA — Food and Drug Administration. Federal regulation of radiation-emitting products and medical imaging equipment.
🏛
State Regulation
Regulation
State radiation-control programmes — state-specific requirements for radiation safety, facility registration, and equipment operation. Requirements vary by state.
State requirements differ. Check your state's radiation-control programme.
🎯
Professional Certification
Professional
ARRT — American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Professional certification and registration for radiologic technologists. Not a general regulatory authority.
✅
Accreditation & Guidance
Guidance
ACR — American College of Radiology. Accreditation programmes and professional practice guidance for imaging modalities.
⚙
Technical / Medical Physics
Technical guidance
AAPM — American Association of Physicists in Medicine. Technical reports, dose guidance, and equipment performance standards, particularly relevant to CT and imaging.
The Euratom Directive establishes a European radiation-protection framework. Each member state
transposes the directive into its own national legislation through its competent authority.
Professional and technical requirements may vary between countries.
🇪🇺
EU Legislation
Legislation
Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom — Basic safety standards for protection against ionising radiation. Establishes the framework for medical exposure, occupational protection, and public exposure across the EU.
🏘
National Implementation
National regulation
National competent authorities — Each member state implements the directive through its own legislation and regulator. Requirements may differ between countries.
No single regulator governs all European countries. Always check the national requirements for your country.
📚
European Guidance
Guidance
European Commission — Radiation protection publications and guidance supporting implementation of the directive.
AERB is the principal radiation regulatory authority. Specific requirements depend on the facility
type, equipment, and professional role. Always follow applicable national and institutional requirements.
🇮🇳
Radiation Regulation
Regulation
AERB — Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. Principal regulatory authority for radiation safety in India.
e-LORA — Online regulatory licensing and registration system.
Applicable national legislation — Atomic Energy Act and related radiation-safety requirements.
Specific requirements vary by facility, equipment, and professional role. Follow local institutional procedures and applicable AERB requirements.
🎯
Professional Requirements
Professional
Relevant professional requirements where applicable, including institutional and professional-body standards.
Professional requirements may vary. Do not assume identical requirements across all Indian states or facilities.
International organisations provide recommendations, guidance, and standards. National legislation
and regulators determine legally binding requirements within individual countries.
🌐
IAEA
Guidance
International Atomic Energy Agency — Radiation protection of patients, safety standards, and international guidance.
⚛
ICRP
Recommendations
International Commission on Radiological Protection — International recommendations on radiological protection, including dose limits and optimisation principles.
⚙
IEC
Standards
International Electrotechnical Commission — International technical and equipment safety standards, including IEC 60601 series for medical electrical equipment.
💖
WHO
Guidance
World Health Organization — International health and patient-safety guidance relevant to radiation protection in healthcare.
⚙
AAPM
Technical guidance
American Association of Physicists in Medicine — Medical physics, dose, and technical guidance, particularly relevant to CT and imaging. Technical reports widely used internationally.
Understanding the difference between these regulatory types helps you know what is legally binding
and what is recognised good practice.
Legislation / Regulation
Legal requirements established by governments or competent authorities. Breaching legislation can result in legal penalties. Examples: IR(ME)R, IRR17, FDA regulations, AERB requirements.
Professional Regulation
Registration, professional standards, and conduct requirements. Required to practise. Examples: HCPC, ARRT.
Technical Standards
Equipment safety and performance standards, often referenced in legislation. Examples: IEC 60601 series, IEC 60601-2-33 for MRI.
Accreditation
Assessment against defined quality or professional standards. Often voluntary but may be required for reimbursement or credentialing. Example: ACR accreditation programmes.
Professional Guidance
Recommendations and recognised good practice from professional bodies. Not legally binding but represents expected standards. Examples: SoR/CoR, ACR practice parameters, AAPM technical reports, MHRA MRI guidance.
Official Sources
A compact directory of official sources for regulatory and professional information. Prioritise
official sources over third-party websites.
Global Radiographers will provide separate detailed learning resources covering IR(ME)R, IRR17, HCPC standards, MHRA MRI safety, Society of Radiographers guidance, FDA and US state requirements, ACR imaging guidance, AERB requirements, Euratom radiation protection, IAEA and ICRP recommendations, and IEC imaging equipment standards.