What happens to patient dose when the target-to-panel distance is decreased during fluoroscopy?

When the target-to-panel distance is decreased during fluoroscopy, the patient dose increases. This is primarily due to the inverse square law, which states that the intensity of radiation is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source of radiation.

As the distance between the radiation source (the tube) and the patient (the target) decreases, the amount of radiation exposure the patient receives increases. This is because the closer the radiation source is to the patient, the more concentrated the radiation becomes over a smaller area, resulting in a higher dose.

Additionally, decreasing the distance can lead to an increase in scatter radiation, further contributing to an increase in overall patient exposure. Therefore, it is essential in practice to maintain an optimal target-to-panel distance to minimize patient doses while ensuring adequate imaging quality. This understanding is crucial for radiation safety and reducing potential risks associated with fluoroscopic procedures.