By switching to very fast film, exposure to the patient and operator may be reduced by approximately what percentage?

Utilizing very fast film in radiographic procedures is highly advantageous for reducing radiation exposure to both the patient and the operator. The key benefit of very fast film is its sensitivity to radiation; these films can capture the necessary image with significantly less exposure than conventional films.

Research and studies in radiology indicate that the use of fast film can lead to a substantial reduction in the amount of radiation required—often cited around 85% reduction in exposure. This figure reflects the film's improved capabilities to respond to x-ray photons, allowing for high-quality images to be produced with much lower doses.

The dramatic decrease in exposure is critical not only for patient safety by minimizing their radiation dose but also for operator safety, as less radiation exposure is beneficial for those working in the radiology field who are routinely exposed to x-rays. Hence, the percentage of exposure reduction attributed to very fast film is approximately 85%.