Which practice helps reduce exposure to others during portable X-ray imaging?

• A. Use protective barriers and lead shielding
• B. Maintain three points of contact when moving equipment
• C. Minimize exposure to others
• D. Ensure equipment is shielded during operation

Answer: (A)

Protecting others comes from physically blocking or attenuating the X-rays before they reach bystanders. Protective barriers and lead shielding create a barrier between the patient and staff, absorbing or reducing scatter and leakage radiation. This direct attenuation lowers the dose to anyone nearby and is a primary safety measure in portable imaging. While distance and limiting time also help, the explicit use of shielding is the most effective and specific way to minimize exposure to others.