It is recognized and emphasized that ionizing radiation is one of the most valuable and essential diagnostic tools of medicine. Every effort should be made to enhance the beneficial uses of this source of energy while minimizing its harmful effects. It is estimated that more than 90% of man-made exposure to ionizing radiation arises for medical diagnosis and that a large fraction of this represents unnecessary exposure. This perhaps is what we could expect when we realize that a large fraction of those in the medical profession who authorize, supervise and administer these x-ray examinations do not have the education, training and certification in its use. As a consequence, much of the equipment and many of the techniques employed do not meet minimum standards required for the protection of the patient. By standardization of the procedures employed in the application of diagnostic x-rays for the rather routine applications, a marked reduction can be made in the patient dose while at the same time providing more and greater detailed diagnostic information on the radiogram. (Author)