Final answer:
X-ray filtration for machines with a kVp higher than 70 is used to produce quality images and protect patients from the potential hazards of ionizing radiation. High-energy x-rays can penetrate dense materials, aiding in detecting bone fractures and other density variations, but measures like lead shielding and controlled exposure times are essential for safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of x-ray filtration when using an x-ray machine with a kilovoltage peak (kVp) higher than 70 is critical for producing quality images and ensuring patient safety. X-ray tubes may operate at various kV levels depending on the type of examination; for example, a chest x-ray may require 50.0 kV while imaging a broken leg in a cast may require 100 kV. The high energies of x-ray photons allow them to penetrate materials and capture the necessary images. The density of the material being penetrated affects the depth to which x-ray photons can reach and subsequently, the darkness of the resulting image, indicating how effectively x-rays can detect breaks in bones or tumors that differ in density from their surroundings.
However, due to the potential hazards of ionizing radiation, which can damage cells in biological organisms, modern x-ray machines are designed to minimize exposure. Protecting measures, such as effective use of lead aprons and shielding around the x-ray tube, are standard practice to limit exposure to tissue other than the tissue being imaged. Moreover, fast films and brief exposure times also reduce patient dose. Such safety considerations are important when dealing with higher energy x-rays associated with higher kV settings. It is also noteworthy that other devices, like CRT televisions operating at approximately 30 kV, can generate x-rays, but they possess adequate shielding to prevent exposure to viewers.