Health experts assessed diagnostic radiology services at 16 hospitals in Qatar in January as part of an IAEA Quality Improvement Quality Assurance Audit for Diagnostic Radiology Improvement and Learning (QUAADRIL) mission. The week-long audit represents the first time the IAEA has conducted such a review at the national level and its findings will help to further improve medical imaging practices in Qatar.

"To be ready for the IAEA's QUAADRIL audit, our team worked tirelessly behind the scenes, conducting training sessions, a detailed in-house audit, alongside reviews of all imaging protocols, policies, pathways and quality assurance processes," said Maryam Al-Kuwari, lead counterpart of the QUAADRIL mission. "We also made sure our technology was up to date, meeting the IAEA's standards. This involved coordinating with different levels of staff and sections to ensure that every component of the imaging department was operating at the highest international standard."

From X rays used in routine procedures to CT scanners deployed to take detailed images of internal body structures, the many applications of ionizing radiation for medical imaging are a vital part of modern public health systems. However, the quality and safety of diagnostic radiology relies upon well-calibrated equipment, proper clinical procedures and qualified professionals to minimize patient doses while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.