Final answer:
The total amount of exposure for a series of scans is measured with the DLP (dose-length product), which is the product of the CTDIvol and the length of the scan, expressed in mGy-cm.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct descriptor used to describe a measurement of the total amount of exposure for a series of scans is c) DLP (dose-length product). The DLP is a cumulative dose indicator that helps to estimate the radiation risk to the patient over the entire series of computed tomography (CT) scans. It accounts for both the dose received per slice (expressed in terms of CTDIvol, or Computed Tomography Dose Index volume) and the number of slices taken over the scanned length of the patient's body.
The DLP is calculated by multiplying the CTDIvol value by the length of the scan in centimeters. This measure provides an overview of the total radiation dose to which a patient is exposed during a CT exam, making it a useful parameter for evaluating patient radiation exposure during diagnostic imaging procedures. The DLP is expressed in units of milligray-centimeters (mGy-cm).
Understanding radiation units, like becquerels (Bq) for radioactive decay or sieverts (Sv) for tissue damage, is important in medical applications. These units help to gauge the degree of exposure and risk associated with radiological procedures and to ensure patient safety by adhering to the as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) principle.