Role of the medical physicist in interventional radiology

Interventional radiological procedures have significantly increased the probability for the expression of deterministic detriment to the patient. It is the responsibility of the consulting medical physicist to undertake the responsibility that (i) appropriate equipment is specified and purchased; (ii) the equipment purchased produces the best possible image quality for the minimum dose; (iii) accurate dosimetry is measured, calculated and recorded; (iv) interventional physicians and surgeons are adequately trained in the fundamental techniques that will minimize the dose to both patients and staff, while maintaining high image quality; and (v) interventional protocols, record keeping and patient follow‐up, in the case of deterministic doses, are appropriately implemented.