Why is exposure time kept to a minimum level in radiography?

Exposure time in radiography is kept to a minimum level primarily to prevent motion blur of the image. When imaging a patient, any movement—whether from the patient themselves or external factors—can lead to a blurred image, which compromises the diagnostic quality of the radiograph. A shorter exposure time reduces the risk of this blur by capturing the image more quickly, allowing for a clearer and more accurate representation of the anatomical structures being examined.

While enhanced image resolution and reducing the patient's anxiety can be important factors in radiographic practices, they are not the primary reasons for minimizing exposure time. Additionally, the safety and radiation dose considerations focus more on protecting the patient than the technologist, who is subject to different safety measures and protocols. Hence, keeping exposure time minimal primarily serves to ensure that the images obtained are of high quality, enabling accurate diagnoses without the interference of movement.