The Image Gently campaign, conducted by the Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging (ARSPI), has developed an initiative called “Back to Basics,” aimed at helping providers strengthen radiation protection when performing x-ray exams on children.

“Back to Basics” features online teaching materials, checklists and practice quality improvement projects that emphasize the need for a standardized approach by measuring patient body size and developing technique charts.

According to a release from the campaign, when an x-ray is indicated for a pediatric patient, providers should:

1. Measure patient thickness for “child-size” technique;

2. Avoid using grids for body parts less than 10-12 cm thick;

3. X-ray only the indicated area with proper collimation and shielding; and

4. Check exposure indicators and image quality.

ARSPI was founded by the Society for Pediatric Radiology, the American College of Radiology, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and the American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Information for physicians, medical physicists and radiologic technologists can be found at www.imagegently.org.