What is indicated by a very high exposure indicator (EI #) in radiography?

A very high exposure indicator (EI #) in radiography is associated with an unacceptable level of exposure to the patient. The exposure indicator is a numerical value that reflects the amount of radiation that has reached the imaging receptor during exposure. When the EI # is very high, it signifies that an excessive amount of radiation has been used, which could pose an increased risk to the patient in terms of radiation exposure.

Radiographic systems are designed to provide optimal image quality while minimizing patient dose. A high EI # indicates that the exposure was beyond the recommended levels, suggesting that care should be taken to avoid potential harm. Therefore, a high EI does not correlate with good practice and indicates that adjustments may be necessary to ensure patient safety in future radiographs.

In contrast, an appropriate EI # would typically suggest a balance between sufficient image quality and minimal radiation risk, while a low EI # can indicate underexposure that may compromise image quality. Thus, the interpretation of a very high EI # directly correlates with concerns around patient safety and the quality of the radiographic practice.