What technique can a radiologic technologist use to reduce thyroid dose during cervical and thoracic spine radiography?

Positioning the patient in the anterior oblique position during cervical and thoracic spine radiography can effectively reduce the thyroid dose. This technique minimizes the radiation exposure to the thyroid gland by angling the x-ray beam in such a way that it diverges from the midline of the body and minimizes the amount of scattered radiation that reaches the thyroid region.

In the anterior oblique position, the x-ray beam is directed away from the midline and reduces the direct exposure to sensitive structures like the thyroid. This positioning, combined with appropriate collimation, enhances image quality while protecting vital organs from unnecessary radiation.

Lowering the mAs setting is important for dose reduction but does not specifically target the thyroid gland as effectively as the anterior oblique position does. Similarly, positioning the patient supine or in a lateral position could still lead to higher thyroid exposure due to the direct path of radiation over the thyroid area. Hence, the anterior oblique position is particularly beneficial for protecting the thyroid gland while achieving the necessary imaging results.