Which factor is critical for minimalizing radiation exposure to patients during a scan?

• A. Maximizing scan duration
• B. Using lead shielding
• C. Maintaining proper distance
• D. Performing more scans

Answer: (C)

Maintaining proper distance is crucial for minimizing radiation exposure to patients during a scan because of the inverse square law, which states that the intensity of radiation decreases with the square of the distance from the source of radiation. By increasing the distance between the radiation source and the patient, the amount of radiation that reaches the patient is significantly reduced. This principle is fundamental in radiologic procedures and helps ensure patient safety while obtaining accurate diagnostic information.

Additionally, while methods such as lead shielding can somewhat reduce exposure, they have limitations and are not universally applicable depending on the situation and the specific equipment being used. Other options, like maximizing scan duration and performing more scans, would directly increase radiation exposure and should be avoided when aiming to protect patient safety. Therefore, maintaining proper distance is a key practice in radiation protection protocols within bone densitometry.