How much is scatter radiation reduced if you take one step back from the patient?

When you take a step back from the patient during a fluoroscopic procedure, scatter radiation is significantly reduced due to the inverse square law. This law states that the intensity of radiation is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source of radiation.

By increasing the distance from the radiation source, the exposure does not just decrease linearly; it decreases exponentially. Specifically, taking just one step back can lead to a reduction of scatter radiation by approximately 75%. This is because when the distance is doubled, the amount of scatter radiation received decreases to one-fourth of the original amount, thus highlighting how even a small increase in distance can have a substantial impact on radiation exposure.

The correct response aligns with this understanding of radiation physics and patient safety protocols in fluoroscopy, emphasizing the importance of maintaining distance to protect both the patient and the operator from unnecessary radiation exposure.