What is the role of physician input in imaging pregnant patients?

• A. Not required; technicians decide.
• B. Only if the patient is under 12 weeks.
• C. Physician input should be sought to justify imaging, apply shielding, and consider alternatives.
• D. Physicians should perform the imaging themselves.

Answer: (C)

When a patient is pregnant, imaging decisions hinge on physician input to protect both patient and fetus while still obtaining the needed diagnostic information. The physician must justify the study, weighing the potential fetal risks of ionizing radiation against the clinical benefit for the mother. If imaging is deemed necessary, shielding of the abdomen should be considered to reduce fetal exposure, as long as shielding does not compromise the diagnostic quality of the exam. The physician should also guide whether non-ionizing alternatives—such as ultrasound or MRI—can address the clinical question, potentially avoiding radiation altogether. In practice, the radiology team relies on the physician’s orders and dose considerations, while applying the ALARA principle to minimize exposure and ensure safe, effective imaging.