FILTRATION

Filtration is the process of removing __________ x-ray photons from the primary beam.

low-energy (soft) x-ray photons

The purpose of filtration is to decrease __________ and produce a more useful x-ray beam.

patient dose

The amount of absorbing material needed to reduce beam intensity by 50% is known as __________.

Half-Value Layer (HVL)

The standard method for expressing filtration is called __________.

Aluminum Equivalency (Al/Eq)

Inherent filtration typically has a value of __________ mm Al/Eq.

0.5–1.0

The most common material used for added filtration is __________.

Aluminum (Z = 13)

A compound filter uses __________ or more filtering materials.

2

The type of filter used to equalize exposure when body part thickness varies is called __________.

Compensating Filtration

Total Filtration is calculated as __________ + Added Filtration.

Inherent Filtration

As kVp increases, the Half-Value Layer (HVL) __________.

increases

Recommended total filtration for kVp over 70 is __________ mm Al.

2.5

Filtration decreases __________ but increases beam quality.

patient dose

The highest atomic number material in a compound filter is placed __________ to the tube.

closest

Two common types of compensating filters are __________ and __________.

Wedge and Trough

The thicker side of a wedge filter goes over the __________ anatomy.

thinner

The formula for total filtration does NOT include __________ or __________ filters.

Compound, Compensating

What is the process for removing low-energy x-ray photons from the primary beam called?

Filtration.

What is the purpose of filtration in x-ray production?

To decrease patient dose and produce a more useful x-ray beam.

How is the amount of absorbing material needed to reduce beam intensity by 50% defined?

Half-Value Layer (HVL).

What is the standard method of expressing filtration in radiography?

Aluminum Equivalency (Al/Eq).

Typically, what is the value of inherent filtration in mm Al/Eq?

0.5–1.0 mm Al/Eq.

What is the most common material used for added filtration in x-ray machines?

Aluminum (Z = 13).

What type of filter uses two or more filtering materials?

Compound filter.

What is the purpose of compensating filtration in an x-ray procedure?

To equalize exposure when body part thickness varies.

How is total filtration calculated in x-ray machines?

Inherent Filtration + Added Filtration.

What happens to the Half-Value Layer (HVL) as kVp increases?

It increases.

What is the recommended total filtration for kVp levels over 70?

2.5 mm Al.

Filtration in radiography decreases patient dose but has what effect on beam quality?

It increases beam quality.

In a compound filter, where is the highest atomic number material placed?

Closest to the tube.

What are the two common types of compensating filters used in x-ray procedures?

Wedge and Trough.

In a wedge filter, where should the thicker side be placed relative to the anatomy?

Over the thinner anatomy.

What types of filters are NOT included in the formula for total filtration?

Compound and Compensating filters.

What term describes the thickness of a material that decreases the x-ray intensity by half?

Half-Value Layer (HVL).

Which material has a high atomic number and is often used as a shielding or filtering agent in x-ray tubes?

Lead (Pb).

What is the function of a collimator in x-ray equipment?

To limit the size and shape of the x-ray beam.

What is a fundamental property of x-rays that makes them useful in medical imaging?

Their ability to penetrate body tissues.

What are the two basic types of x-ray imaging techniques?

Conventional radiography and digital radiography.

What parameter is adjusted to vary the quantity of x-rays produced in an x-ray tube?

Milliamperage (mA).

Which parameter affects the quality (penetrating ability) of the x-ray beam?

Kilovolt peak (kVp).

What is the relationship between kVp and x-ray wavelength?

Higher kVp results in shorter x-ray wavelengths.

What is the term for the unwanted exposure of films or detectors in radiography?

Fog.

What does the term 'radiographic contrast' refer to?

The difference in opacity between different tissues on a radiograph.

What is the primary biological effect of ionizing radiation on human tissues?

Cellular damage.

What are the two types of biological effects of ionizing radiation?

Stochastic and deterministic effects.

How can the exposure to ionizing radiation be minimized in radiographic procedures?

By using proper shielding and distance.

What is the purpose of using a grid in x-ray imaging?

To reduce scatter radiation and improve image contrast.

What is the term used to describe the process of converting x-ray photons into visible light?

Luminescence.

What is the purpose of using a protective apron during x-ray procedures?

To shield patients from unnecessary radiation exposure.

What is the principle behind the operation of a photomultiplier tube in radiographic imaging?

To detect and amplify light generated from x-ray interactions.