Are operator exposures from CT examinations very low or high?

• A. Low
• B. Moderate
• C. High
• D. None

Answer: (A)

Operator exposure during CT is kept very low because the operator is typically shielded and separated from the primary beam. The x-ray beam is aimed at the patient, and protective barriers, such as leaded glass and walls, as well as a control room, minimize the amount of scatter that reaches the operator. Dose optimization features in modern CT further reduce unnecessary exposure to the patient without increasing scatter to the operator, so the operator’s dose remains a small fraction of the patient dose. Even in CT-guided procedures where proximity to the patient occurs, proper shielding and good technique keep exposure well below occupational limits. For these reasons, operator exposures from CT examinations are considered low.