Final answer:
CR plates are more sensitive to background and scatter radiation than conventional x-ray films due to their ability to capture lower levels of radiation energy, necessitating careful controls to maintain image quality and minimize patient radiation dose.
Step-by-step explanation:
Computed Radiography (CR) plates are known to be more sensitive to background and scatter radiation than conventional x-ray films. Since film exposure in radiography depends on the interactions of radiation with the emulsion of the film, it can be influenced by scattered radiation. CR plates, using photostimulable phosphor technology, can capture lower levels of radiation energy which conventional x-ray films may not detect.
The sensitivity of CR plates has improved diagnostic capabilities but also means they require careful handling to minimize background radiation influence. For instance, CR plates can detect residual radiation that has not been absorbed or has been scattered by the patient's body, which, in the case of conventional film radiography, would have contributed less to film exposure. This sensitivity necessitates the use of more controls in CR imaging to ensure a clear diagnostic image and to reduce unnecessary radiation dose to the patient.
In summary, the CR plates are significantly more sensitive to background and scatter radiation, which not only affects the approach in their use but also the interpretation of images produced. To maintain this level of sensitivity and image quality, film badges, similar to dental x-ray film, are sandwiched between various absorbers to calibrate for the penetrating ability of radiation sensed by the CR plates, determining both the type and the amount of radiation exposure.