Which approach is recommended for minimizing radiation exposure in imaging?

The recommended approach for minimizing radiation exposure in imaging is to use the lowest possible dose that achieves the necessary image quality. This principle is based on the optimization of radiation dose while still ensuring that the images obtained can provide the required diagnostic information. By focusing on using the minimum necessary exposure, the risk of radiation-related effects is reduced without compromising the quality of the diagnostic images.

This strategy is essential in radiology as it helps protect patients from unnecessary radiation exposure, particularly with repeated imaging. The application of this principle ensures that healthcare providers adhere to the "as low as reasonably achievable" (ALARA) standard, which emphasizes the importance of keeping radiation exposure to a minimum consistent with the clinical needs of the imaging procedure.

In contrast, maximizing mAs or minimizing collimation would lead to increased radiation exposure, and using higher kVp without shielding may also result in higher doses to the patient without enhancing image quality. By focusing on the lowest effective dose, imaging practices can be made safer for patients while still providing high-quality diagnostic images.