What is the primary risk associated with fluoroscopy?

The primary risk associated with fluoroscopy is exposure to ionizing radiation. Fluoroscopy is a type of medical imaging that provides real-time moving images of the interior of the body using x-rays. During this process, both patients and healthcare providers are exposed to ionizing radiation, which can increase the risk of adverse health effects, including the potential development of radiation-induced conditions such as cancer.

It is crucial for practitioners to be aware of radiation safety protocols, including minimizing exposure time, maximizing distance from the radiation source, and utilizing appropriate shielding to protect both patients and staff. This focus on minimizing radiation exposure is essential in ensuring patient and provider safety during fluoroscopic procedures.

While loss of image quality, increased operating costs, and inaccurate diagnostics can be considerations in the use of fluoroscopy or other imaging modalities, they do not represent the primary health risk linked directly to the procedure. The concern over radiation exposure is paramount and drives the need for carefully controlled use of fluoroscopy in clinical practice.