Patient Exposure During Radiological Procedures

Can exposure levels be reduced even when using older equipment?

Yes, exposure levels can be reduced even when using older equipment, but there are limits.

Most X-ray systems are expensive, costing tens of millions of yen, so once purchased, they are generally used for about ten years. Most of the older systems are not equipped with the various functionality available on new systems for reducing exposure dose levels. However, methods for reducing exposure dose levels are available even on older systems, such as specifying a smaller exposure range (exposure field) or using additional filters. Selection of accessory products, such as an X-ray scattering grid, is also important. Equipment can be kept in good condition with daily pre-operation inspections and periodic inspections, but there are limits to how much radiation dose can be reduced using older systems. Therefore, plans to replace system must constantly be considered.