What factor is most critical for minimizing patient exposure while ensuring diagnostic quality in geriatric radiography?

In geriatric radiography, adjusting technical factors based on the patient's condition is essential for minimizing patient exposure while maintaining diagnostic quality. Older patients often present unique challenges, such as differences in body mass, tissue composition, or the presence of comorbidities that can affect imaging outcomes. By tailoring technical factors, including kilovoltage (kV), milliampere-seconds (mAs), and positioning, radiographers can optimize the radiographic technique to ensure adequate image quality without increasing unnecessary radiation exposure.

This personalized approach allows for the adjustment of parameters to meet the specific needs of geriatric patients, who may require lower radiation doses due to increased sensitivity to radiation and varying anatomical characteristics. Utilizing appropriate adjustments helps to achieve the necessary diagnostic quality, while still prioritizing the patient's safety and minimizing their exposure to radiation.