Which practice helps minimize radiation exposure during fluoroscopic procedures?

• A. Increase frame rate to obtain more images.
• B. Increase magnification.
• C. Disable shielding.
• D. Use last-image hold to avoid continuous fluoroscopy.

Answer: (D)

Focusing on reducing exposure during fluoroscopy, the key idea is to cut down on the time the X-ray beam is on and the number of images taken. Using the last-image hold keeps the most recent fluoroscopic image displayed on the monitor without keeping the beam on to acquire new frames. This lets you reposition instruments, verify anatomy, or guide a step without continuous fluoroscopy, so the cumulative radiation dose drops.

If you raise the frame rate, you’re producing more images per second, which increases the radiation dose to the patient and staff. Increasing magnification makes the system work harder to obtain a clear image, often leading to a higher dose to maintain image brightness and resolution. Disabling shielding directly raises exposure to both patient and staff. In contrast, the last-image hold reduces the need for ongoing imaging, making it the best practice for minimizing exposure.