Advisory details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Advisory number | DI25/02 |
| Version number | 1.0 |
| Publication date | July 2025 |
| Compliance with this advisory | Mandatory for Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme (DIAS) accrediting agencies and diagnostic imaging practices |
| Information in this advisory applies to |
|
| Key relationship | 2016 DIAS Standard 3.2: Optimised Radiation Technique Charts |
| Attachment | N/A |
| Notes | N/A |
| Responsible officer | Margaret Banks Director, National Standards Phone: 1800 304 056 Email: AdviceCentre@safetyandquality.gov.au |
| To be reviewed | July 2027 |
Purpose
To inform imaging practices of the new national diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for multi detector computer tomography (CT).
Issue
In June 2025, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) published revised national DRLs for multi detector computer tomography for adults (15+ years) and children (0-<15 years). The national CT DRLs for children now have 5 age categories for head CT and 5 weight categories for chest CT and abdo-pelvis CT.
ARPANSA has published the DRLs on their website. ARPANSA has provided a spreadsheet template for performing comparisons against the updated DRLs for children.
Requirements
The Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme (DIAS) Standard 3.2: Optimised Radiation Technique Charts requires a medical imaging practice to:
- ensure the radiation doses administered to patients are compared to the national DRLs published by ARPANSA annually
- review imaging protocols when DRLs are exceeded and determine if radiation doses are optimised.
The audit records of the comparison and review are the evidence used by accrediting agencies to assess compliance with the DIAS standards.
From 1 January 2026, the evidence submitted to the accrediting agencies must show:
- updated policies for undertaking a DRL comparison
- evidence that facility reference levels have been compared against the updated DRLs and, when doses are exceeded, action has been taken to determine if radiation doses and administered activity are optimised.
For more information
The ARPANSA website has further information about DRLs, for enquiries about DRL calculations or the National Diagnostic Reference Level Service, contact ARPANSA via 1800 033 972 or ndrld@arpansa.gov.au
For guidance on providing evidence to meet requirements for Standard 3.2, see the User Guide for Diagnostic Imaging Practices Applying for Accreditation and contact your accreditation agency for further information and advice.
Additionally, medical imaging practices can refer to Advisory D21/03 for advice about the requirements for conducting DRL audits.