Examinations taken with intensifying screens reduce the radiation dose to the patient by approximately what percent?

• A. 90%
• B. 95%
• C. 97%
• D. 99%

Answer: (B)

Intensifying screens boost the detector’s sensitivity by converting X-ray energy into light that exposes the film more efficiently. Because the film can achieve the same image density with far less X-ray exposure, the patient’s radiation dose drops dramatically when using screen-film systems. A commonly cited approximate reduction is about 95%, though the exact figure varies with screen speed and film sensitivity. This large reduction is why screen-based radiography became standard: you get enough image quality while delivering much less radiation. The other numbers are not as representative of typical practice, since 95% reflects the practical dose savings you see with standard screen-film combinations.