What is the recommended safety device to prevent scatter radiation during exposure?

The recommended safety device to prevent scatter radiation during exposure is the collimator. A collimator is designed to focus and limit the x-ray beam to a specific area, which not only improves the quality of the image by reducing unnecessary exposure to adjacent tissues but also minimizes the amount of scatter radiation produced. By minimizing the area being irradiated, the collimator effectively reduces scatter radiation that could pose risks to both patients and operators.

Lead aprons do provide protection by absorbing scatter radiation, but they do not prevent the scatter from occurring during the exposure itself. Film holders and position-indicating devices assist in the proper positioning and capture of x-ray images, but they do not directly prevent scatter radiation. In summary, the collimator plays a crucial role in controlling the x-ray beam, thus serving as an important safety device in radiographic procedures.