IR(ME)R: Implications for clinical practice in diagnostic imaging, interventional radiology and diagnostic nuclear medicine, second edition
Date: 2026
We are pleased to announce the publication of IR(ME)R: Implications for clinical practice in diagnostic imaging, interventional radiology and diagnostic nuclear medicine, second edition.
This guidance has been jointly produced by a working party that included representatives from the Royal College of Radiologists, British Institute of Radiology, Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine, Medical Exposures Group, UK Health Security Agency, and the Society and College of Radiographers.
The document provides a practical approach to implementing the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 (IR(ME)R) and reflects the 2024 amendments. It is intended for all staff groups delivering diagnostic imaging, interventional radiology and diagnostic nuclear medicine services. It also applies to implementation of the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2018; unless specifically stated, references to IR(ME)R can also be taken to refer to these Regulations.
This second edition supersedes the first edition, published in 2020. It explains how the requirements of the amended Regulations should be interpreted and used in clinical practice. Updates have been made across the document to reflect changes to service provision and developments in technology, and clinical scenarios have been included to support practical interpretation of the Regulations.
Key updates include new requirements relating to co-operation between employers, clinical audit and accidental or unintended exposures, adequate training, software within equipment requirements, and employer’s procedures for making, amending and cancelling referrals.
When reading this guidance, please consider the following reflective questions:
What are the benefits of implementing this guidance in my service?
What are the key barriers to implementing this guidance in my service?
Does the guidance prompt any ideas for quality improvement projects that I, or others in my service, might take forward?
