When should X-rays be used according to health principles?

The use of X-rays should be guided by established health principles that prioritize patient safety and the necessity of the procedure. X-rays are a valuable diagnostic tool, but they expose patients to radiation, which can carry potential risks. Therefore, they should only be utilized when there is a good medical reason—meaning that the potential diagnostic benefits outweigh the risks associated with radiation exposure.

In practice, this aligns with the principles of justification and optimization in radiation protection. Justification involves ensuring that medical imaging is warranted based on clinical indications, while optimization refers to minimizing the radiation dose to the lowest possible level that still achieves the necessary diagnostic quality. Hence, using X-rays judiciously based on medical necessity helps to safeguard patient health while ensuring appropriate care.