iRefer is the seventh edition of imaging referral guidelines produced by the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) and has been accredited by NHS Evidence, managed by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).

The RCR has produced the iRefer guidelines for referring clinicians in primary and secondary care to determine the most appropriate imaging procedures for a wide range of clinical problems. Practical guidance is based on the best available evidence, together with expert consensus for clinical applicability. The guidelines aim to promote the best use of imaging for the benefit of patients, minimise radiation dose and to ensuring that imaging strategies are broadly similar nationally.

The guidelines are divided into 12 sections, such as Trauma, cancer, breast disease and paediatrics. Each section sets out the clinical scenario, including red flags, and lists relevant procedures with an indication of the associated radiation dose. For each procedure, there is a recommendation on its appropriateness (together with the grade) and an explanatory comment is included when required to clarify the circumstances in which the procedure should be used.