Diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) should be used by regional, national and local authorised bodies. The numerical values of DRLs are advisory, however, implementation of the DRL concept may be required by an authorised body. The concept of DRLs allows flexibility in their selection and implementation. The present ICRP advice does not specify quantities, numerical values or details of implement...

INTRODUCTION We developed structured descriptions of signs and symptoms for specific seizure types (called Diagnostic Reference Frames-DRFs-by us) that can serve as a frame of reference in the process of classifying patients with epileptic seizures. In this study the validity of the DRFs for clinical use is evaluated and described. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this study we use a decision support ...

1Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, Netherlands 2CTU Bern, Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Switzerland 3Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland 4Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlan...

Olfactory reference syndrome (ORS) has been defined as a psychiatric condition characterized by persistent preoccupation about body odour accompanied by shame, embarrassment, significant distress, avoidance behaviour and social isolation. ORS has however not been included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edition) (DSM-IV) and, given that its primary symptoms may...

OBJECTIVES To determine whether combining non-invasive tests for intracranial aneurysms together would significantly improve aneurysm detection over individual tests. METHODS 114 patients undergoing intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography to confirm or exclude an intracranial aneurysm were also examined by CT angiography, MR angiography, and transcranial power Doppler ultrasound. The r...

A universal challenge in studies that quantify the accuracy of diagnostic tests is establishing whether each participant has the disease of interest. Ideally, the same preferred reference standard would be used for all participants; however, for practical or ethical reasons, alternative reference standards that are often less accurate are frequently used instead. The use of different reference ...

The aims of this study were to investigate the frequency of Portuguese computed tomography (CT) examinations, identify protocol application and establish diagnostic reference levels (DRLs). CT departments (n=211) were surveyed nationally (June 2011-January 2012) and CT protocol information and dose data were collected, as were retrospective age-categorised paediatric CT data from three national...

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to assess the distribution of CT dose index (CTDI) values reported by sites undergoing ACR CT accreditation between 2002 and 2004. METHODS Weighted CTDI (CTDI(w)) values were measured and reported by sites applying for ACR CT accreditation, and the percentage of scanners with values above the 2002 ACR diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) was determined. Acquisi...

BACKGROUND Improved and affordable diagnostic or triage tests are urgently needed at the microscopy centre level. Automated digital microscopy has the potential to overcome issues related to conventional microscopy, including training time requirement and inconsistencies in results interpretation. METHODS For this blinded prospective study, sputum samples were collected from adults with presu...