[Dose classification in digital roentgen diagnosis: clinical applications].

Technological improvements in digital radiography and computed tomography have led to a substantial increase of radiation dose that subjectively cannot be detected. In order to reduce dose in a form that may be used in clinical practise, the quality of digital radiograms and computed tomography images should be classified in three classes. Low-dose investigations are indicated in children, in case of therapy control and for imaging organs with high differences in tissue contrast. High-dose investigations are scarcely indicated and middle-dose investigations should be performed in all other remaining clinical situations. Dose recommendations given by vendors in radiology should be viewed critically.