What is the significance of using the effective dose metric?

The effective dose metric is significant because it provides an estimate of the biological risk associated with exposure to ionizing radiation. This metric takes into account the type of radiation, the energy it carries, and the sensitivity of different tissues and organs to radiation harm. By quantifying the risk in terms of effective dose, healthcare professionals can better assess the potential impact of diagnostic imaging procedures on patient safety, allowing them to weigh the benefits of imaging against the risks of radiation exposure. This is particularly important in diagnostic fields such as computed tomography, where radiation doses can be relatively high compared to other imaging modalities. By focusing on biological risk, the effective dose assists in informed decision-making regarding imaging protocols and patient management.