According to federal regulations, what is the minimum required target-to-tabletop distance for stationary fluoroscopy?

The minimum required target-to-tabletop distance for stationary fluoroscopy is 15 inches. This requirement is in place to ensure patient safety by minimizing radiation exposure. The distance helps to reduce the intensity of the scatter radiation that could affect both the patient and the healthcare provider during fluoroscopic procedures. By maintaining this standard distance, the risk of unnecessary radiation exposure is significantly reduced, promoting better safety practices in medical imaging and treatment.

Standards and regulations, such as those established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP), underscore the importance of adherence to minimum distance requirements in various imaging modalities to optimize the balance between imaging quality and radiation dose.