What is the main objective of collimation during X-ray procedures?

The primary objective of collimation during X-ray procedures is to reduce exposure to surrounding tissues. By narrowing the beam of radiation to the area of interest, collimation minimizes the amount of radiation that reaches areas outside the targeted zone. This is crucial for patient safety, as it lowers the risk of unnecessary radiation exposure to non-targeted organs and tissues, thereby helping to reduce the long-term risks of radiation-related effects, such as cancer. Proper collimation not only protects the patient but also improves the quality of the images obtained, as it reduces scatter radiation that can degrade image quality.

In contrast, other options such as increasing image brightness, enhancing patient comfort, or improving image resolution are not the primary goals of collimation. While reducing scatter may inadvertently lead to improved resolution, the primary focus is indeed on ensuring that only the necessary area is exposed to radiation, thus protecting patient health.