Understanding Low-LET Radiation in Medical Imaging

Radiologic technologists frequently encounter the terms high and low Linear Energy Transfer (LET) in their work, but the concepts behind these terms are nuanced and complex. LET measures the rate at which ionizing radiation transfers energy to the matter it passes through, a critical factor in understanding the impact of radiation on human tissue and other materials. This parameter is fundamental in both diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy, influencing the choice of radiation type and its application.