Factors Affecting Image Receptor Exposure

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary related to image receptor exposure in radiography.

Image Receptor

The device that captures the x-ray image, either film or digital.

Density

The overall degree of blackening on the film, measured in optical density (OD).

Optical Density (OD)

A measurement of light absorption by the film, ranging from .25 to 2.5.

Brightness

The monitor control function that adjusts the lightness and darkness of the image.

Histogram

A graphical representation of all the exposure values recorded by the image receptor.

Exposure Index (EI)

A numerical value that must be confirmed to be within an acceptable range for evaluating IR exposure.

Quantum Noise

Blotchy or mottled images caused by an insufficient quantity of x-rays.

mAs (Milliampere-Seconds)

The primary influencer of IR exposure, controlling the quantity of x-ray photons.

Reciprocity Law

States that film density remains unchanged with the same total exposure, regardless of mAs and exposure time combinations.

15% Rule

A 15% increase or decrease in kVp changes the exposure to the IR by doubling or halving it, respectively.

Anode Heel Effect

Variation in exposure intensity depending on the angle of the anode; more exposure at the cathode end.

SID (Source-to-Image Distance)

The distance from the x-ray source to the image receptor, which affects beam intensity and IR exposure.

Filtration

The process of reducing unwanted radiation, which decreases IR exposure when increased.

Collimation

The act of restricting the x-ray beam size, which reduces scatter radiation and overall exposure.

Additive Pathologies

Conditions that increase tissue density, resulting in decreased IR exposure.

Destructive Pathologies

Conditions that decrease tissue density, resulting in increased IR exposure.

Grids

Devices that absorb scatter radiation to improve image quality and affect IR exposure.

Digital Detector

Technology in digital radiography that uses exposure indicators to provide information about IR exposure.