Which patient demographics may warrant special consideration for radiation exposure?

Pregnant women and elderly individuals are demographics that warrant special consideration for radiation exposure due to the heightened sensitivity of these populations to the effects of radiation.

Pregnant women are particularly significant as radiation exposure can affect fetal development, potentially leading to adverse outcomes such as congenital disabilities or developmental disorders. Minimizing radiation exposure during pregnancy is essential to protect both the mother and the unborn child, making careful evaluation of the necessity of imaging procedures vital.

Elderly individuals, on the other hand, may have an increased risk for cancer due to longer cumulative exposure to radiation throughout their lives. Additionally, their physiological response to radiation can differ from younger patients, necessitating a more tailored approach to imaging that takes their overall health and treatment needs into account.

Both of these groups require particular care and justification for the use of imaging technologies that involve radiation to ensure their safety and well-being.