Where should the radiographer stand during exposure to minimize exposure?

• A. Directly in line with the beam at arm's length
• B. Six feet away at a 90 to 135 degree angle to the central beam
• C. Ten feet away behind a wall
• D. Beside the patient directly near the mouth

Answer: (B)

Minimizing exposure comes from staying out of the primary beam and increasing distance from the patient. The safest and most practical position is to stand to the side of the patient, at about a 90 to 135 degree angle to the central beam, and about six feet away. This puts you outside the path of the primary beam and takes advantage of the distance that greatly lowers dose (inverse square law). Being to the side also reduces the amount of scattered radiation you encounter, since most scatter travels in the forward direction from the beam.

Standing directly in line with the beam would subject you to the full intensity of the primary beam and its scatter, making exposure much higher. Being very close beside the patient near the mouth places you near the source of scatter and the mouth’s proximity increases exposure risk. Even though a barrier or wall can provide protection, the recommended practice for minimizing exposure during exposure is to be at that side angle and distance.