How can technologists minimize radiation exposure to themselves?

Technologists can effectively minimize their radiation exposure by utilizing protective gear, maintaining distance from the radiation source, and increasing shielding. Protective gear, such as lead aprons, thyroid shields, and lead goggles, provides a physical barrier that absorbs or deflects a significant percentage of radiation, thereby reducing exposure to sensitive areas.

Maintaining a safe distance from the radiation source is based on the principle that the intensity of radiation decreases with distance. This is often referred to as the inverse square law; as the distance from the source increases, the radiation exposure diminishes rapidly.

Increasing shielding means utilizing physical barriers, such as walls or lead screens, to block radiation paths from reaching the technologist. By combining these strategies—protective gear, distance, and shielding—technologists can greatly reduce their risk of radiation exposure while performing imaging procedures.

Other approaches such as increasing patient interaction time or using higher doses of radiation, are contrary to the objective of minimizing exposure. Performing more frequent imaging can also lead to increased exposure rather than minimizing it.