Smart card technology could be an effective way to track patients’ radiation dose from medical imaging procedures, according to an article in the American Journal of Roentgenology.

Researchers affiliated with the International Atomic Energy Agency are investigating ways to develop a prototype of a smart card. When swiped in a system with access to a radiation exposure-monitoring server, the smart card will locate a patient’s radiation exposure history from institutions where its database has access.

The system would provide the requested radiation history report, and the patient could receive it in print or e-mail format. The prototype system is capable of extending outreach to wherever the radiation exposure-monitoring server extends at county, state or national levels.

According to the article, it’s anticipated that the prototype will pave the way for quick availability of patient exposure history for use in clinical practice in order to strengthen radiation protection of patients.