What is considered the #1 way to reduce patient exposure to radiation?

The primary method to reduce patient exposure to radiation is through collimation, which involves limiting the x-ray beam to the area of clinical interest. By using collimation, the exposure is restricted to only the region that needs to be examined, thereby minimizing unnecessary radiation to adjacent tissues. This practice aligns with the principles of radiation protection, which emphasize the importance of reducing exposure to only what is necessary for achieving quality diagnostic images.

Digital imaging does enhance image quality and may reduce the overall dose compared to traditional film, but it does not inherently limit the exposure area or focus the radiation on the specific body part of interest. Increasing exposure time would inadvertently raise the radiation dose the patient receives, which is contrary to the goal of minimizing exposure. Similarly, while applying more filters can help to reduce the dose by absorbing lower energy, it does not directly address the proper targeting of the x-ray beam.

Thus, while various techniques and technologies can contribute to lowering radiation exposure, collimation specifically serves as the most effective means of protecting patients by ensuring that radiation is only directed at the necessary anatomical structures.