Which two imaging categories are cited as the primary sources of technologist occupational exposure?

• A. Fluoro and portable exams
• B. CT and MRI
• C. X-ray rooms and CT suites
• D. Ultrasound and fluoroscopy

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that occupational exposure for radiology staff comes mainly from procedures where the technologist is in close proximity to the X-ray beam for extended periods. Fluoroscopy involves real-time X-ray imaging with continuous or high-dose-rate exposure, and the technologist often remains near the patient and the beam to position equipment, adjust settings, and monitor the study. Portable radiography requires moving a mobile X-ray unit to the patient’s bedside, placing the detector and tube in close, sometimes awkward positions, which means the technologist is near the primary beam and the patient for the majority of the exposure. These two situations typically contribute the most to a technologist’s cumulative occupational dose.

In contrast, CT involves high patient doses but the room is typically shielded and the operator often works from a control area outside the immediate beam, reducing exposure. MRI and ultrasound do not use ionizing radiation, so their contribution to radiation occupational exposure is not on the same scale. MRI uses magnetic fields, and ultrasound uses sound waves. Therefore, fluoroscopy and portable exams are the two imaging categories most cited as primary sources of technologist occupational exposure.