title: Radiation physics.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Radiation comes in different forms of energy in motion. Doses of radiation and the area of interest are important considerations when imaging patients, particularly during percutaneous procedures.
  
  
  METHODS
  Reference texts in essential physics, principles of radiation imaging, and radiation dosimetry were reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Dose, exposure to radiation, and total body radiation delivery are reviewed and graphically tabulated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Each institution will monitor radiation dose delivered to the individual; however, individual physicians have the responsibility to protect themselves and their patients against excessive radiation exposure by knowing appropriate dosages and biological risks.
authors.affiliation: Roper St. Francis Heart and Vascular Center, Charleston, SC 29401, USA. britt.tonnessen@rsfh.com
authors.forename: Britt H
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Tonnessen
authors.forename: Lori
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pounds
mesh_terms: D006283:Health Physics; D006801:Humans; D011827:Radiation; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011835:Radiation Protection; D011853:Radiobiology; D011874:Radiometry; D014965:X-Rays