Final Answer:
A 15% increase in kVp accompanied by a 50% decrease in mAs will result in an increase in exposure latitude.
Step-by-step explanation:
When kVp (kilovoltage peak) is increased by 15%, it directly affects the penetrating power of the X-rays emitted in a radiographic procedure. This increment allows for greater penetration through the anatomy, thereby contributing to a wider exposure latitude. Simultaneously, reducing mAs (milliampere-seconds) by 50% decreases the overall exposure time but maintains the radiation quantity reaching the image receptor.
Mathematically, exposure is determined by the product of mAs and kVp (Exposure ∝ mAs × kVp). Hence, a reduction in mAs compensated by the increased kVp results in a broader range of acceptable exposures for the image, enhancing the exposure latitude.
In more detailed terms, consider an initial scenario with kVp at 100 and mAs at 100. A 15% increase in kVp raises it to 115, while a 50% decrease in mAs brings it down to 50. The product of kVp and mAs before adjustments was 10,000 (100 × 100). After the changes, it becomes 5,750 (115 × 50). Despite the alterations, the product remains almost constant, showcasing how variations in kVp and mAs affect exposure. This adjustment maintains image quality and allows for a wider margin of error in exposure settings, thus increasing the exposure latitude.
Therefore, this combination optimizes radiographic procedures by providing flexibility in exposure settings while ensuring a consistent image quality, ultimately resulting in an increased exposure latitude.