ITGSS Certified Technical Associate: Emerging Tech Practice Test

What aspect does the ALARA principle aim to minimize?

1. Costs of imaging

2. Patient radiation exposure

3. Diagnostic errors

4. Equipment maintenance

The correct answer is: Patient radiation exposure

The ALARA principle stands for "As Low As Reasonably Achievable" and primarily focuses on minimizing patient radiation exposure during imaging procedures. In the context of medical imaging, such as X-rays or CT scans, it emphasizes the importance of limiting the amount of radiation that patients receive while still achieving high-quality diagnostic results. This principle is based on the understanding that even small doses of radiation can have potential risks, so it is crucial to balance the need for accurate imaging with the imperative to protect patients from unnecessary exposure. Considering this, the ALARA principle influences practices in medical imaging by encouraging the use of the lowest effective radiation dose possible while ensuring that diagnostic quality is not compromised. This ensures patient safety, which is a fundamental concern in medical procedures involving radiation.