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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
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X-ray Dose Reduction through Adaptive Exposure in Fluoroscopic Imaging
Published on: September 11, 2011
Fluoroscopic vs blind positioning: comparing entrance skin exposure
1Northwestern State University, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA.
Radiologic Technology
|September 10, 2009
Summary
Fluoroscopic-guided positioning (FGP) increases patient radiation dose compared to blind positioning. However, FGP is still preferable to repeating an examination, aligning with the as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) principle.
Area of Science:
- Radiologic technology
- Medical imaging
- Radiation safety
Background:
- Fluoroscopy is commonly used by radiographers for patient positioning during radiographic examinations.
- This practice raises concerns about radiation exposure to patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare patient radiation dose between fluoroscopic-guided positioning (FGP) and blind positioning using anatomic landmarks.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of FGP in reducing radiation dose in radiography.
Main Methods:
- The study utilized anthropomorphic phantoms of the abdomen and chest/thorax.
- Entrance skin exposure (ESE) was measured using a radiation monitor controller.
- Radiation doses were compared between FGP and blind positioning for both phantom types.
Main Results:
- Fluoroscopic-guided positioning (FGP) resulted in higher patient entrance skin exposure (ESE) than blind positioning.
- The increased ESE from FGP was less than the ESE associated with a repeat radiographic examination.
Conclusions:
- While FGP increases radiation dose compared to blind positioning, it is still beneficial in reducing the need for repeat examinations.
- The use of FGP may conflict with established professional guidelines and the ALARA principle, warranting further investigation.
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