Final answer:
To provide a longer scale of contrast and decrease differential absorption, high peak kilovoltage, low milliampere-seconds factors, and compensating filtration are effective methods. Isotopes with short half-lives limit radiation dose by decaying quickly. Standard protective measures such as shielding and time limitations further reduce patient and operator exposure.
Step-by-step explanation:
To decrease differential absorption and provide a longer scale of contrast in the diagnostic range, methods such as using high peak kilovoltage (kVp) and low milliampere-seconds (mAs) factors can be effectively employed. Additionally, the use of compensating filtration can also aid in tailoring the X-ray beam's energy spectrum, which in turn, reduces unnecessary low energy X-rays that could contribute to patient dose without improving image quality.
When isotopes with short half-lives are used in medical imaging, they rapidly decay and therefore limit the time frame during which radiation is emitted. This strategy reduces the patient's radiation dose, as the isotopes degrade quicker compared to those with longer half-lives. Furthermore, protective measures such as shielding, increasing distance from the radiation source, and limiting exposure time are standard practices in medical imaging to ensure patient and operator safety.
Leveraging faster films and advanced imaging technology, doses from most medical diagnostics have decreased notably in recent years, enhancing patient care through reduced exposure times and optimized diagnostic procedures.