In the context of radiology, what is the primary goal of patient dose management?

The primary goal of patient dose management in the field of radiology is to minimize unnecessary exposure to radiation. This approach focuses on ensuring that patients receive only the amount of radiation that is necessary to obtain high-quality diagnostic images while avoiding any excess exposure that does not contribute to their diagnosis or treatment.

Unnecessary radiation exposure can pose risks to patient safety and long-term health, which makes it crucial to implement strategies that optimize the balance between achieving diagnostic objectives and protecting patients from potential harm associated with radiation. By maintaining a mindset centered around minimizing exposure, radiology professionals can uphold the principles of radiation safety, commonly summarized by the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle.

While maximizing image quality and increasing examination efficiency are important factors in radiological practices, they should not compromise the patient's safety. In contrast, eliminating all radiation exposure is impractical in diagnostic imaging because some level of radiation is required to produce images that assist in diagnosis. Thus, the focus on minimizing unnecessary exposure remains central to effective patient dose management.