Which two components are part of ALARA?

ALARA, which stands for "As Low As Reasonably Achievable," is a key principle in radiation safety that emphasizes minimizing radiation exposure to personnel and patients without compromising the intended purpose or quality of the diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. The two components identified in the correct choice, optimization and dose limitation, are essential to this principle.

Optimization involves using appropriate techniques and procedures to achieve the desired outcomes while ensuring that radiation exposure levels are kept as low as possible. This might include adjusting imaging protocols to enhance quality while reducing dosage or employing shielding techniques where feasible.

Dose limitation refers to setting maximum permissible doses for radiation exposure to protect both patients and staff. Establishing clear limits helps ensure that exposure does not exceed levels that could pose a risk to health while still allowing for effective medical practices.

While education is indeed important in fostering a culture of safety and enhancing understanding of radiation risks and practices, it is not classified as a core component of the ALARA principle. Therefore, the focus on optimization and dose limitation captures the essence of ALARA effectively.