What safety practice is crucial before performing a procedure with ionizing radiation?

The crucial safety practice before performing a procedure with ionizing radiation is ensuring proper shielding and understanding patient history. Proper shielding involves using appropriate protective barriers to minimize exposure to radiation for both the patient and the healthcare providers. This is essential in maintaining safety standards and protecting against the potential harmful effects of radiation.

Understanding patient history is equally important because it allows the radiologic technologist to identify any previous radiological procedures, possible contraindications, or allergies, which can affect the safety and effectiveness of the procedure. Knowledge of a patient's history can help in determining the need for additional precautions or alternative imaging modalities.

Together, these considerations serve to minimize radiation exposure while also ensuring that the procedure is aligned with the patient's specific health needs. They help to create a safe environment for both the patient and the healthcare team, reinforcing the importance of safety protocols in radiologic practice.