In mobile radiography, which practice most effectively protects staff from scatter radiation?

• A. Increasing standing distance between staff and the patient.
• B. Using shielding devices such as lead aprons for staff.
• C. Standing closer to the patient.
• D. Relying on shielding only without distance.

Answer: (A)

In mobile radiography, the most effective way to protect staff from scatter radiation is to maximize distance from the patient. Scatter comes from the patient and spreads in all directions, so exposure drops off quickly as you move away—governed by the inverse square law. Doubling your distance reduces exposure to about one quarter, and increasing distance further reduces it even more. This distance-based protection has the biggest impact compared to other measures.

Shielding devices like lead aprons help, but they only protect a limited area and don’t address scatter coming from multiple directions. Standing closer to the patient would increase exposure, and relying on shielding alone without increasing distance leaves you more vulnerable. So, creating as much separation as practical between you and the patient provides the strongest reduction in scatter dose.