What measurement signifies a significant increase in safety for fluoroscopy operators and patients?

A lower dose rate signifies a significant increase in safety for fluoroscopy operators and patients because it directly correlates with the amount of radiation exposure to which both are subjected during procedures. In fluoroscopy, minimizing the dose rate helps to reduce the cumulative radiation dose over time. This reduction contributes to lowered risks of radiation-related complications, such as tissue damage or increased cancer risk, that can arise from prolonged exposure to ionizing radiation.

In fluoroscopy, the focus is always on optimizing image quality while keeping radiation exposure as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA principle). A lower dose rate ensures that patients receive the necessary diagnostic information without unnecessary exposure, enhancing safety measures for both patients and operators involved in the procedures.