When performing mobile radiography (portable x-ray), which practice is essential to minimize the technologist and other healthcare staff’s radiation exposure?

• A. Increase distance
• B. Stay closer to patient
• C. Increase orientation
• D. Talk during procedure

Answer: (A)

Maximizing distance from the radiation source is the primary protective measure during mobile radiography. The intensity of scatter radiation decreases rapidly with distance due to the inverse square law: if you double the distance, the dose is about one-quarter; triple the distance, about one-ninth—and so on. So, stepping back from the patient as far as feasible and positioning yourself out of the primary beam (ideally behind shielding) greatly reduces exposure for the technologist and staff. Staying close to the patient or relying on orientation alone doesn’t cut the dose, and talking during the procedure doesn’t provide protection and can lead to longer exposure or distractions. The essential idea is to increase distance as much as possible while still obtaining the needed image.