The concept of ALARA

Question

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ALARA stands for "as low as reasonably achievable" and is a principle of radiation protection that requires a benefit vs. risk assessment by the ordering physician in order to minimize radiation exposure to the patient while still obtaining necessary diagnostic information. This means that the physician must weigh the potential benefits of the procedure against the potential risks of radiation exposure and ultimately determine if the procedure is necessary and appropriate. The radiographer is responsible for ensuring that the procedure is performed with the lowest possible radiation dose without compromising the diagnostic quality of the image. It is not appropriate for the radiographer to alter physician orders without the physician's consent or to permit x-ray exposure under all circumstances.

The Concept of ALARA