What is the primary function of the tissue weighting factor in radiological doses?

The primary function of the tissue weighting factor is to determine the effective dose based on the risks associated with different tissues. This factor recognizes that not all tissues in the body have the same sensitivity to radiation; some tissues are more susceptible to the harmful effects of ionizing radiation, such as cancer induction. By incorporating tissue weighting factors into dose calculations, health professionals can assess the overall risk to a patient's health from radiation exposure more accurately.

This approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of the impact of radiation on the body by providing a weighted sum of doses received by various tissues, thereby reflecting the relative biological effectiveness of radiation according to the specific tissues involved. It helps in evaluating the potential risks in a way that supports patient safety and informs clinical decisions in radiological practices.