What is a radiation dose calculator?

A radiation dose calculator estimates the effective dose (in mSv) a person receives from medical imaging procedures such as X-ray, CT, MRI, PET, or nuclear medicine. It helps patients and clinicians understand and compare radiation exposure levels, and supports evidence-based decision making.

How do I use the radiation dose unit converter?

Enter a value and select the units you wish to convert from and to (e.g., mSv, mGy, μSv, rem). The converter instantly provides the equivalent dose in the desired unit. Supports all major units used in radiology and nuclear medicine.

Are the dose values evidence-based and up-to-date?

Yes. Dose values and conversion factors are referenced from ARPANSA, ICRP, ACR, and other international guidelines. The database is updated regularly to reflect new recommendations and diagnostic reference levels. See the references section for details.

Does the calculator support cumulative dose tracking?

Yes. The cumulative dose tracker allows users to sum exposures from multiple exams, visualize total dose, and understand long-term risks. This feature is useful for patients, clinicians, and radiographers.

Is this calculator suitable for patients, clinicians, and radiographers?

Yes. The tool is designed for both patients and healthcare professionals to estimate, compare, and track radiation exposure from medical imaging. It includes pediatric and adult protocols, MRI implant safety, and links to clinical reference guides.

Does the site include MRI implant safety information?

Yes. The MRI Implant Safety Database provides up-to-date compatibility information for cardiac, orthopedic, neurological, vascular, dental, and other implants. It is referenced from manufacturer data, ARPANSA, FDA, and ACR guidelines.

Is the calculator mobile-friendly and secure?

Yes. The site is fully responsive, mobile-friendly, and uses secure protocols. No personal health information is stored.

Can I find Medicare-eligible imaging centres?

Yes. The Medicare-eligible MRI & PET centres database helps you locate bulk-billing and Medicare-covered imaging facilities across Australia, including contact details and location information.

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Examination Information

Find details about medical imaging exams: what they are for, how to prepare, what to expect, and more—helping patients and professionals make informed choices.

Select Examination Type:

Radiation Dose Calculator

Instantly estimate and compare radiation doses for medical imaging exams. This tool helps patients and healthcare professionals understand exposure, track cumulative dose, and make safer, evidence-based decisions.

Examination Type:

Patient Age (years): Enter your exact age for a more accurate estimate.

Patient Weight (kg):

Number of Examinations:

Body Part (for weight/DLP correction):

Advanced Options

Use DLP Value (CT Scans)

Results

Select an examination and click "Calculate" to see the estimated dose and comparisons.

Cumulative Dose Tracker

Sum your exposures and visualize your total dose

0.0

Total Effective Dose (mSv)

Examination	Dose (mSv)	#	Body Part	Age	Weight
No exposures added yet.

Tip: Add each exam to track your cumulative exposure.

Cumulative dose is for reference only and resets on page reload.

About Medical Imaging Radiation Doses

Understanding Radiation in Medical Imaging

Medical imaging procedures use ionizing radiation to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body. Different imaging techniques use varying amounts of radiation:

X-rays: Low radiation dose, quick procedures
CT scans: Higher radiation dose than X-rays, but provide detailed cross-sectional images
Nuclear medicine: Uses radioactive tracers, varies by procedure
Fluoroscopy: Real-time X-ray imaging, dose depends on procedure length
MRI & Ultrasound: No ionizing radiation

Australian Radiation Safety Standards

Australia follows strict radiation protection guidelines established by ARPANSA (Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency) and international organizations like the ICRP (International Commission on Radiological Protection).

Key principles:

Justification: Every procedure must be justified
Optimization: Doses should be as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA)
Dose limits: Annual limits for different populations

Common Medical Imaging Procedures in Australia

X-Ray Examinations

Most common imaging procedure in Australia. Used for bones, chest, abdomen.

Typical dose: 0.01 - 0.7 mSv

CT (Computed Tomography)

Detailed cross-sectional images. Essential for diagnosis and treatment planning.

Typical dose: 1 - 20 mSv

Nuclear Medicine

Functional imaging using radioactive tracers. Bone scans, cardiac stress tests.

Typical dose: 1 - 30 mSv

PET/CT Scans

Combined metabolic and anatomical imaging. Mainly for cancer diagnosis and staging.

Typical dose: 10 - 25 mSv

Radiation Safety for Patients

Before Your Exam

Inform your doctor about previous imaging
Ask about alternative non-radiation options
Inform if you're pregnant or might be pregnant
Bring your previous imaging records

During Your Exam

Follow radiographer instructions carefully
Stay still during imaging to avoid repeats
Ask questions if you don't understand
Remove metal objects as instructed

After Your Exam

Keep records of your imaging history
Follow any post-procedure instructions
Drink plenty of water (for contrast studies)
Contact your doctor if you have concerns

Reference Information

Natural Background Radiation

The average annual exposure in Australia is 1.7 mSv/year from natural sources like cosmic rays and radon gas. This equates to about 4.66 μSv per day.
Source: ARPANSA

Medical Imaging Average

The average Australian receives an additional ~1.7 mSv/year from medical imaging procedures, a major source of artificial radiation exposure.
Source: ARPANSA

DLP/Weight Correction

Dose estimates are adjusted for patient age and weight. Using the Dose-Length Product (DLP) from a CT report provides a more accurate, personalized dose.
Reference: ICRP 103, ARPANSA Diagnostic Reference Levels

Stochastic vs Deterministic Effects

Stochastic effects (e.g., cancer, genetic mutations) are random and the probability increases with dose, but severity does not. There is no known safe threshold. Deterministic effects (e.g., skin burns, cataracts) have a threshold dose and severity increases with dose. Medical imaging doses are generally well below deterministic thresholds.
Reference: ICRP 60, 103; ARPANSA

Cumulative Dose Tracker

The cumulative dose tracker helps you sum exposures from multiple exams. While individual exams are usually safe, repeated exposures can add up over time. Tracking your cumulative dose can help you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions about future imaging.
Reference: ARPANSA, ICRP 103

Helpful Tips

Always inform your doctor and radiographer about previous imaging exams.
Ask if alternative, non-radiation imaging (like ultrasound or MRI) is appropriate.
Keep a record of your imaging history for reference.
Remember: The benefits of medically necessary imaging usually outweigh the small risks.

References: ARPANSA, ICRP, RadiologyInfo.org

References & Further Information

Guidelines, typical dose values, and conversion factors are based on:
- International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) Publications 60, 103, and 120
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) resources (ARPANSA)
- European Commission Radiation Protection Series
- American College of Radiology (ACR) Appropriateness Criteria
- RadiologyInfo.org (Patient Information)
For more information, visit:

Note: Dose values and conversion factors are reviewed against ARPANSA, ICRP, and ACR guidelines. For detailed exam-specific dose references, see ARPANSA Diagnostic Reference Levels and ICRP 120.

Disclaimer: This tool provides estimates based on typical values. Actual radiation doses can vary significantly based on the specific scanner, protocol, and individual patient anatomy. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.