Reducing Radiation Exposure in Digital Imaging
Digital imaging techniques provide important information to healthcare professionals. But, exposure to ionizing radiation can be harmful to patients. In digital fluoroscopy, an increase in the number of images per exam reveals greater diagnostic information but is associated with an increased dose. Similarly, magnification improves spatial resolution and image quality but may lead to an increase in skin dose. High-dose mode is associated with an improvement in image quality but is associated with a high radiation dose to the patient. What are some of the methods of reducing radiation exposure? What can X-ray techs do to follow the ALARA principle and ensure the safety of their patients?