title: Correlation between effective dose and radiological risk: general concepts.
abstract: The present review aims to offer an educational approach related to the limitations in the use of the effective dose mgnitude as a tool for the quantification of doses resulting from diagnostic applications of ionizing radiation. We present a critical analysis of the quantities accepted and currently used for dosimetric evaluation in diagnostic imaging procedures, based on studies published in the literature. It is highlighted the use of these quantities to evaluate the risk attributed to the procedure and to calculate the effective dose, as well as to determine its correct use and interpretation.
authors.affiliation: PhD, Professor at the Instituto de Física da Universidade de São Paulo (IFUSP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Paulo Roberto
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Costa
authors.affiliation: PhD, Full Professor at the Instituto de Física da Universidade de São Paulo (IFUSP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Elisabeth Mateus
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Yoshimura
authors.affiliation: PhD, Physicist at the Instituto de Física da Universidade de São Paulo (IFUSP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Denise Yanikian
authors.initials: DY
authors.lastname: Nersissian
authors.affiliation: Specialist in Physics of Diagnostic Radiology, Physicist at the Instituto de Física da Universidade de São Paulo (IFUSP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Camila Souza
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Melo
keywords: Diagnostic imaging/adverse effects; Radiation dosage; Radiation effects; Relative biological effectiveness