Biological effects of diagnostic irradiation

Medical radiation continues to be an area of concern to the patient. However, the technologist can reassure him that trained operators apply the radiation and that there are many built-in and accessory safety factors. Beyond that, however, the technologist can reassure himself that he is not responsible for unnecessary radiation by making full use of all safety measures, whether they are part of or accessory to the equipment, or are part of his judgment as to technique. To do this, he needs a sound knowledge of how damage occurs and a continual updating on research and equipment that will make his reassuring words to the patient honest ones.