Question

What effect does excessive filtration have on the x-ray image?

1) Decreases image contrast
2) Increases image contrast
3) Decreases image brightness
4) Increases image brightness

Answer 1

The correct answer is option 1) Decreases image contrast.

Step-by-step explanation:

Excessive filtration in X-ray imaging primarily affects the contrast of the image. Filtration is used in X-ray machines to absorb the low-energy X-ray photons that contribute less to the image quality and could increase patient dose without improving the diagnostic quality of the X-ray.

When excessive filtration is applied, it can lead to a decrease in image contrast because it removes a significant portion of the X-ray spectrum, including photons that contribute to the differences in density and texture that are essential for distinguishing between tissues or abnormalities in the image.

Consequently, this leads to a decreased image contrast (option 1), making it more challenging to discern between different structures and potentially reducing the diagnostic utility of the image.