Which of the following does not aid in protecting the patient from unnecessary radiation exposure?

• A. Collimation
• B. Filtration
• C. Film holders
• D. Protective aprons

Answer: (C)

The key idea is dose reduction through beam control and shielding. A film holder’s job is to keep the film steady and properly positioned, improving image quality and reducing blur. It does not change the size or energy of the X-ray beam, nor does it provide any shielding for the patient. So it doesn’t directly protect against unnecessary radiation. In contrast, narrowing the beam with collimation limits exposure to the area of interest, filtration removes low-energy photons that would add dose without improving diagnostic value, and protective aprons (and thyroid collars) shield sensitive tissues. These measures actively reduce patient exposure, whereas a film holder primarily affects technique and image stability.