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Radiation

Process of emission of transmission of energy involving a particle.

In medical imaging, two main classes of radiation are used.

The first is the electromagnetic radiation of x-rays.  In this case, an electric current applied to an anode allows the release of the rays, which are directed toward the area of the subject to be studied.  This radiation is controlled at the source.

In contrast, the radiation used in nuclear medicine is continuously emitted by a radioactive source, which will be used to image the various structures to be investigated.

These two types of radiation involve a range of protective measures to limit their impact on the structures to be studied. These range from the evaluation of the relevance of the study to the limitation of the exposed areas, to the protection of the surrounding areas at the time of design of examination rooms (see radiation protection).

The principle of ALARA is very important in radiation protection. 
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