ABSTRACT
The radiation exposure from diagnostic X-rays is the largest manmade source of radiation exposure to the general population worldwide. Man-made exposure contributes about 14 per cent of the total annual exposure from all sources. Although diagnostic X-rays provide great benefits, their use involves some small risk of developing cancer. The aim of this chapter is to give the practitioner an understanding of the basic ways radiation dose can be measured and expressed to the patient and other staff. It will also explain exposure indicators used with digital systems. It is essential that any practitioner operating within an imaging department and using ionising radiation has a sound base for their knowledge. You need to comprehend and be able to explain the factors affecting radiation dose, methods of measuring dose and how dose may be expressed using exposure indicators.
