Which increases a radiographer's radiation exposure?

• A. Use of positive beam limitation (PBL)
• B. Choosing high kilovolts peak (kVp), low milliampere seconds (mAs) factors
• C. Use of high-speed image receptor (IR) systems
• D. Choosing low kilovolts peak (kVp), high milliampere-seconds (mAs) exposure factors

Answer: (D)

Operator exposure mainly comes from scatter radiation produced in the patient. Anything that increases the amount of scatter reaching the radiographer raises exposure.

Limiting the field with positive beam limitation reduces field size, which lowers patient dose and scatter, so it decreases exposure to the radiographer. Using high kilovolt peak with low mAs lowers the number of photons produced overall while maintaining image quality, which reduces patient dose and the resulting scatter. High-speed image receptor systems let you achieve the same image quality with less exposure, again reducing patient dose and scatter. Conversely, choosing low kilovolt peak with high mAs raises the total photon output, increases patient dose, and produces more scatter, which increases the radiographer’s exposure.