The utilization of radiology equipment has become an integral part of the modern medical practice. Apart from diagnostic imaging, recent year have seen ongoing development and adoption of image guided therapeutic techniques. Advanced imaging equipment has become more available than ever before in the patient care environment. The proliferation of this equipment holds a great promise for improved patient care through the utilization of more accurate and minimally invasive procedures.

However, as with any technology, appropriate training must be provided to ensure its safe and appropriate use. Adequate training in the use of radiology equipment has even greater urgency as the radiation poses a risk not only to the patient, but also to the operator and other surrounding health care personnel. This lecture aims to provide an introduction to the principles by which radiology equipment operates and interacts with biological systems.

The lecture briefly reviews some basic principles in radiation physics and radiation biology. More importantly, it aims to provide general principles and specific techniques for the safe use of radiation producing equipment for the benefit of both the health care workers and the patient.