What is the minimum source-to-skin distance for fixed fluoroscopic equipment?

The minimum source-to-skin distance for fixed fluoroscopic equipment is established to minimize radiation exposure to patients during medical imaging procedures. This distance is critical because it directly affects the intensity of the radiation that reaches the patient's skin. Increasing the distance between the radiation source and the skin significantly reduces the dose due to the inverse square law of radiation, which states that the intensity of radiation is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source.

In most regulatory guidelines and safety practices, a minimum source-to-skin distance of 38 cm is specified for fixed fluoroscopic equipment to ensure patient safety. This standard is set to provide a balance between achieving optimal imaging quality and minimizing radiation dosage to the patient, promoting the principle of ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) in medical imaging.

Choosing a distance less than 38 cm could potentially result in higher radiation exposure, raising safety concerns and the risk of skin damage or other health issues. Therefore, adhering to the established minimum distance is essential for maintaining safe imaging practices.