What is a key function of the operator in a fluoroscopic procedure?

In a fluoroscopic procedure, one of the key functions of the operator is to monitor tube current and potential. This is crucial because the tube current (measured in milliamperes) and potential (measured in kilovolts) directly affect the quality of the fluoroscopic images produced and the amount of radiation exposure the patient receives. By keeping a close watch on these parameters, the operator can optimize image quality while minimizing the patient’s exposure to unnecessary radiation. This is vital in ensuring patient safety and achieving the best diagnostic results during the procedure.

While minimizing patient wait time, adjusting patient positioning, and operating the imaging software are also important tasks, they do not directly involve the critical aspect of managing and overseeing the radiation dose during the procedure, which is the primary responsibility of the operator in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of fluoroscopic imaging.