Worldwide Variation in Radiation Doses in Medical Imaging
Worldwide Variation in Radiation Doses in Medical Imaging
JAMA | February 2026
A Call for Standardization of Optimal Radiation Protocols in Cath Labs and Cardiac Imaging
Study Overview:
• Included 19,302 patients
• From 101 countries
• Evaluated radiation doses in common cardiac imaging tests
• Published in JAMA – February 2026
Key Findings
• Significant global variation in radiation doses for the same imaging tests
• Western Europe had the lowest average doses
• Africa showed the highest doses, particularly for CCTA
• In lower-income countries, CCTA doses were up to 280% higher than high-income countries.
• In certain regions lacking structured protocol oversight and dose-optimization standards where imaging protocols are not strictly standardized , radiation doses have been reported to vary by as much as 500% compared with optimized centers.
Average Radiation Doses
• Calcium Score (CACS): ~ 1.2 mSv
• PET: ~ 2.0 mSv
• SPECT: ~ 6.5 mSv
• CCTA: ~ 7.4 mSv
(But with wide variation between regions)
💡 Why the Difference?
• Different imaging protocols
• Equipment quality and technology level
• Operator training
• Lack of standardized dose optimization strategies
Clinical Message
• The same test does NOT mean the same radiation dose worldwide
• There is major opportunity to reduce exposure through:
• Protocol standardization
• Staff training
• Technology upgrades
• Dose optimization should be part of quality metrics in cardiac imaging
Standardized radiation optimization protocols must become mandatory in all cath labs and cardiac imaging centers worldwide to ensure patient and staff safety.
