Radiological

Radiological is an adjective relating to radiology and to radiation in general. In medicine, it describes imaging and procedures that use ionizing radiation to visualize internal structures or guide interventions. The term encompasses X-ray radiography, computed tomography (CT), fluoroscopy, mammography, and various image-guided interventional techniques, as well as nuclear medicine methods that employ radiopharmaceuticals to diagnose or monitor disease.

Beyond clinical imaging, radiological concerns any aspect involving ionizing radiation, including its production, measurement, shielding, and safety. This broad usage covers radiological health and safety, radiobiology research, radiation protection practices, and the management of radioactive sources in healthcare, industry, and the environment. Modalities that rely on ionizing radiation are distinguished from those that do not, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound.

Safety and regulation are central to the radiological field. Practices emphasize minimizing exposure to patients and workers through principles like ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable), appropriate shielding, dosimetry, and regulatory compliance. In emergencies, radiological response involves rapid assessment of exposure and contamination, monitoring, decontamination, environmental sampling, and clear public communication to prevent misinformation and protect public health.