Which type of image receptor system results in the lowest patient dose?

The choice of a faster speed image receptor system is essential for minimizing patient dose during radiographic procedures. Faster speed systems are designed to capture higher levels of radiation, which means they can produce the necessary diagnostic images with lower exposure. This is particularly important in radiography, where reducing patient dose is a priority for enhancing safety and minimizing the risks associated with ionizing radiation.

Using a faster speed image receptor allows radiologic technologists to maintain image quality while decreasing the amount of radiation the patient receives. In practice, this can mean that less time is needed for exposure, or that lower settings on the x-ray machine can be used without sacrificing the clarity and quality of the resulting image.

In comparison, slower speed systems require higher doses of radiation to produce images of adequate quality, leading to increased exposure for patients. While standard or medium speed systems may strike a balance between image quality and patient dose, they still do not achieve the same level of dose reduction as faster systems. Therefore, opting for faster image receptor systems is a key strategy in modern radiography to protect patients while obtaining the information needed for accurate diagnosis.