What does glandular dose measure?

Prepare for the ARRT Mammography Boards Test with comprehensive questions and detailed explanations. Study smart and pass the exam with confidence!

Glandular dose specifically measures the radiation dose absorbed by the radiosensitive glandular tissues of the breast during a mammographic procedure. This measurement is crucial in mammography, as the breast is composed of both glandular and non-glandular (adipose) tissues, but it is the glandular tissue that is most susceptible to radiation exposure and potential damage.

Understanding glandular dose helps in assessing the risk of radiation-induced effects, such as breast cancer, as well as in optimizing techniques to ensure patient safety while maintaining diagnostic efficacy. It provides a more precise evaluation of the potential biological effects of radiation in the breast compared to measuring overall body radiation exposure or focusing on non-sensitive cells. Thus, glandular dose is a critical metric in both the development of mammographic guidelines and the assessment of imaging protocols to minimize unnecessary radiation exposure to sensitive tissues in the breast.

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