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"AS LOW AS REASONABLY ACHIEVABLE". It is used in regard to x-ray exposure. Only use the proper x-ray exposure factors as would be required to image the part of the body being imaged. A hand x-ray would require less exposure than a leg. A leg would require less exposure than a belly or abdomen. Reducing exposure also requires the use of a lead apron on the patient to prevent direct or scattered radiation to "radio" sensitive parts of the body that are not being imaged. We try to display the limited use of x-ray by also showing two adjacent sides of the exposed film, without an exposure. By having two unexposed adjacent sides of film, we show that the width of the x-ray beam was limited to the area being imaged. Phosphor screens, similar to those introduced by Michael Pupin are used in the film cassette to enhance the exposure of the film. This discovery had allowed us the ability to image body parts in 1/1000 of a second, with fifty to one hundred times less x-rays than used in the early days of x-ray.

The simple rules that are in place now are a direct result of the early mistakes made by scientists researching x-ray. When used in a controlled environment by people with the proper education and instruction, x-rays can and are used safely and for the benefit of the patient.

Learn more about this author, RC Shivers.
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