Final answer:
In medical imaging, the benefit of radiation exposure is maximized and the risk of biological damage is minimized by using controlled doses of radiation and techniques to limit exposure. Devices like x-rays and PET scans are used to balance the effectiveness of the diagnostic dose with patient safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
When radiation is safely and prudently used in the imaging of patients, the benefit of the exposure can be maximized while the potential risk of biologic damage is minimized.
Medical doses of radiation are carefully limited to ensure diagnostics are efficient and carry a low risk of harm. Diagnostic doses of ionizing radiation, such as x-rays and CT scans, deliver low levels of radiation to the targeted tissues, with techniques in place to further reduce scattering into adjacent tissues. Utilization of isotopes with short half-lives in medical imaging significantly limits the dose due to the rapid decay and diminished long-term radiation exposure to patients.
Moreover, medical imaging devices, such as the Anger camera, SPECT detector, and PET scan, are calibrated to maintain the balance of dose effectiveness, minimizing potential risks while maximizing diagnostic benefit. Overexposure to x-rays can lead to cancer; however, in limited and controlled doses, x-rays are essential for internal body imaging.