When should the PID be positioned during radiography to reduce exposure?

Positioning the position-indicating device (PID) farther from the patient's face is essential in reducing radiation exposure during radiography. This practice helps to minimize the intensity of the radiation beam that reaches the patient. When the PID is farther away, the inverse square law applies—meaning that as the distance from the source of radiation increases, the exposure level decreases substantially. This principle is critical for ensuring the safety of patients while still obtaining the necessary diagnostic images.

By increasing the distance of the PID from the patient, the radiographer protects the patient's tissues from unnecessary radiation dose, thus minimizing the potential risk of radiation exposure and associated health issues. This approach contributes to better safety practices in radiographic procedures and aligns with the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle in radiation protection, which emphasizes reducing exposure levels to the lowest possible amount during imaging procedures.