Radiation Assurance is a UK-wide process fully managed by the HRA on behalf of all four UK nations for studies which are taking place in NHS/HSC secondary care settings.

The process ensures that the information regarding radiation exposures in study documents are clearly set out at an early stage in the research regulatory approvals pathway. 

It also coordinates the lead Clinical Radiation Expert (CRE) and lead Medical Physics Expert (MPE) reviews in Part B section 3 of the Integrated Research Application System (IRAS) application form.

What are the benefits of this process?

For sponsors and applicants, Radiation Assurance can:

  • provide guidance on the information requirements for a Radiation Assurance review, which can lead to a quicker review time
  • identify any inconsistencies or omissions relating to ionising radiation procedures in applications at an early stage
  • provide support to applicants by identifying the experts with the correct specialist knowledge to conduct the reviews
  • provide assurance to applicants, Research Ethics Committees (RECs) and the Administration of Radioactive Substances Advisory Committee (ARSAC) that the information provided in the review contains all the required information, to a set standard
  • set a standard research cost for the completion of the review within a new payment framework, making it easier for sponsors to request the correct amount of funding.

For participating sites and participants, Radiation Assurance can:

  • reduce site set-up times by providing higher quality information to sites and reducing queries
  • make it easier for participants to understand the risks of exposure to ionising radiation by using generic risk statements in participant information sheets.

Feedback on the process

The reviews have been well accepted by all UK sites participating in our studies

Commercial sponsor

Streamlining the process through a central contact and inbox has also taken a lot of the burden away from the research teams. Reviewers are quickly identified, and we are always kept up to date on progress. Overall it has been a very positive experience for our centre.

NHS sponsor

Can I submit for Radiation Assurance?

We expect that all studies taking place in the NHS/HSC and involving ionising radiation are submitted through Radiation Assurance.

Detailed submission guidance is available on the IRAS website, but our Applying for Radiation Assurance page provides information about options for how to submit. 

Performance metrics for Radiation Assurance

We regularly publish updates on our performance in relation to Radiation Assurance. The below is the latest performance data for July to September 2021.

HRA-managed studies are currently progressing through Radiation Assurance in an average of 30 calendar days. This time is measured from the point of submission by the study sponsor, to completed review and issuing of Radiation Assurance. This data excludes queries.

Consistency review times for HRA-managed studies:

Average HRA Radiation Assurance Consistency Review timeline July to September 2021.jpg
Figure 1 shows the average HRA consistency review times for HRA-managed Radiation Assurance submissions from July to September 2021 Long description

Timelines are measured from the date a complete submission pack is received by the HRA, to the date on which the HRA confirms to the sponsor that the consistency review is complete. This data excludes queries.

Total review times for HRA-managed studies:

Average HRA Radiation Assurance Total Review timeline July to September 2021.jpg
Figure 2 shows the average total review times for HRA-managed Radiation Assurance submissions from July to September 2021. Long description

Timelines are measured from the date a complete submission pack is received by the HRA, to the date on which the HRA issues Radiation Assurance. This data excludes queries.

Download a CSV file of the graph data from figures 1 and 2.

For all studies submitted through the self-managed route from Radiation Assurance opening in April 2018, the consistency review is completed in an average of 8 calendar days. This data excludes queries. We do not publish total review timelines for self-managed studies because it is the applicant’s responsibility to manage the CRE and MPE review.

What next?

We value all feedback. If you would like to tell us about your experience of using Radiation Assurance, please email radiation.assurance@hra.nhs.uk.

We also have guidance for sponsors and sites about what happens after Radiation Assurance.

Back to technical assurances