In mammography, what aspect does a lower glandular dose indicate?

A lower glandular dose in mammography indicates less radiation exposure to breast tissue, which is crucial for minimizing risks associated with radiation while still achieving the necessary diagnostic image quality. This is particularly vital since excessive radiation exposure can lead to an increased risk of developing cancer over time. By lowering the glandular dose, technologists can ensure that patients receive the necessary imaging without unnecessary exposure to harmful radiation levels.

In mammography, achieving high-quality images while maintaining a low glandular dose is essential. The focus is on balancing the image quality—ensuring that the images are clear enough for accurate diagnosis—while also maintaining safety standards with regard to patient radiation exposure. Therefore, lower doses are beneficial as they aid in adhering to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable), ensuring patients' safety without sacrificing diagnostic efficacy.