Which combinations of practices reduce patient and operator dose while maintaining image quality?

• A. 1 and 2
• B. 1 and 3
• C. 2 and 3
• D. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (A)

Dose optimization comes from combining exposure factor optimization with radiation protection. By adjusting technique to use the highest kVp that yields acceptable image quality while keeping mAs as low as possible (often with automatic exposure control and proper filtration), you reduce the dose the patient receives without compromising receptor exposure. Pair that with beam restriction and shielding: collimating to the area of interest limits the beam and reduces scatter, and shielding protects sensitive tissues and lowers operator exposure to secondary radiation. Together, these approaches cut the dose to the patient and the operator while preserving diagnostic image quality. This is why the combination that includes these protective and optimization practices is the best choice.