How is radiation typically measured in medical imaging?

In medical imaging, radiation exposure is typically measured in millisieverts (mSv) because this unit expresses the biological effect of ionizing radiation on human tissue. The sievert (Sv) and its subunit, the millisievert (1 mSv = 0.001 Sv), account for the type and energy of radiation and how it affects different tissues and organs in the body. This measurement is critical in the medical field since it helps to assess the potential health risks associated with exposure to radiation during diagnostic procedures, ensuring that the benefits of imaging outweigh the risks.

In contrast, grays (Gy) are used to quantify the absorbed dose of radiation, which does not directly take into account the biological effects of different types of radiation on human tissue. Curies (Ci) measure radioactivity, representing the rate of radioactive decay, and do not reflect the effects of exposure to humans. Hence, millisieverts provides the appropriate context for evaluating and managing patient safety during medical imaging procedures.