What effect does adequate collimation have on patient exposure during fluoroscopy?

Adequate collimation plays a crucial role in minimizing patient exposure during fluoroscopy. By narrowing the beam of radiation to the area of interest, collimation ensures that only the necessary parts of the body are irradiated. This targeted approach not only helps in preventing unnecessary radiation to surrounding tissues but also improves the quality of the images obtained. Essentially, when collimation is properly applied, the amount of scattered radiation is reduced, leading to a decrease in the overall dose received by the patient.

Collimation is important because it focuses the radiation on the area being examined, enhancing diagnostic effectiveness while also protecting the patient from excess exposure. This practice aligns with the principles of radiation safety, emphasizing the importance of keeping dose levels as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) in medical imaging.