Chapter 4 – Radiation Safety Vocabulary

Ten vocabulary flashcards summarizing key radiation-safety concepts from Chapter 4.

Aluminum Filtration Requirement (≤ 70 kVp)

X-ray machines operating at 70 kVp or lower must have a total of 1.5 mm of aluminum filtration.

Aluminum Filtration Requirement (> 70 kVp)

X-ray machines operating above 70 kVp must have a total of 2.5 mm of aluminum filtration.

Inherent Filtration

Built-in filtration provided by the glass window of the X-ray tube, the insulating oil, and the tube-head seal.

Radiation Monitoring Badge

Personal dosimeter worn at the waist or chest to measure, not protect against, occupational radiation exposure; sent to a lab for reading.

Fast Film

Image receptor that lowers patient radiation dose more effectively than lead aprons by requiring shorter exposure times.

ALARA Principle

"As Low As Reasonably Achievable"; guiding rule to use the minimum radiation necessary for a diagnostic image.

Optimal PID Size and Shape

A 16-inch rectangular Position-Indicating Device (PID) provides the greatest reduction of patient exposure.

Collimator

Lead device that restricts the size and shape of the X-ray beam to reduce patient dose and improve image quality.

Purpose of Aluminum Filtration

Eliminates low-energy, non-diagnostic X-rays from the beam, thereby lowering patient radiation dose.

Beam Size Limit at Patient’s Face

The X-ray beam should not exceed 2.75 inches (7 cm) in diameter where it reaches the patient’s face.