Radiographic Quality

Chapter 5

Radiographic quality

Refers to how easily details can be

perceived on a radiograph.

Need to obtain as much diagnostic

information as possible about the internal
structures of the patient.

Quality depends on
Radiographic Density
Contrast
Geometric Factors that affect detail

Radiographic Density
Defined as the degree of blackness or

darkness on a radiograph.
Black areas on a developed radiograph

are produced by deposits of metallic

silver in the film emulsion that result from
exposure to x-rays and their subsequent
processing.

Density continued .
X-rays make radiographic film black

Degree of blackness on a radiograph

depends on the amount of x-rays reaching
the film.

Density is influenced by the quantity and

quality of the x-ray beam, as well as the

type and thickness of the tissue under
examination.

Factors Affecting Radiographic

Density.
Greater radiographic density may be

produced by increasing:

Total # of x-rays that reach the film

The penetrating power of the x-rays
The developing time
The temperature of the developer

Lets Review
mAs- number of x-rays leaving the x-ray

tube in a set period of time.

When kVp increases, the penetrating
power increases as well. This means
more x-rays will reach the film causing a
darker radiograph.

Other Density Influences

Thickness and type of tissue being

radiographed.

Increase in thickness, means that the

patient can absorb more x-rays which will
results in a lighter image.
Large

animals absorb more x-rays, so less xrays reach the film, so the lighter the image.
To compensate, we increase the kVp.

Type of Tissue
Type of tissue affects density as well.

Higher density tissues will cause less xrays to reach film, therefore have lighter
areas on the film at that place.

Gray film, lacks good density

Contrast
Defined as visible difference between

two adjacent radiographic densities

Is divided into

Radiographic Contrast
Subject Contrast

Radiographic Contrast
Density between two adjacent areas on a

radiograph.

Many black and white areas means you have

contrast.
If a radiograph has many grays and a small density
difference between 2 adjacent areas, then it has
low contrast.
Need right amount of contrast. Not desirable to
have to high or too low of contrast. Need it to be
just right. Want grays, blacks and whites so eye
can easily see detail.

Contrast is influenced by:

kVp level
Subject contrast
Scatter radiation
Film type
Film fog

Subject Contrast
Defined as the difference in density and

mass between two adjacent anatomic

structures
Depends on:

Thickness of the anatomic part.

Density of the anatomic part.

Contrast Continued
Bone will have more white on the film

than soft tissue.

Bone -> high contrast -> low kVp
Soft tissue -> low contrast -> high kVp

Exposure factors
Poor contrast is due to inappropriate exposure

factors.

mAs- affects contrast when too little or too much

is used.

Primarily affects density so should not affect

contrast if proper kVp is used.
If mAs is insufficient, contrast is reduced because
overall density of the radiograph is reduced.
If quantity of x-rays reaching the film is too low, film
will be pale.
If too much mAs is applied, overall film will be
blacker but less effect on contrast.

How should mAs be adjusted?

Kilovoltage
Affects both contrast and density
Increase in kVp = Increase in

penetrating power.
Increase in kVp = shorter wavelengths
are produced.
As penetrating power increases, so does
scatter radiation. This can alter
radiographic contrast.

kVp
If too low, will have gray and white

appearance and image will be

imperceptible.
Will have low density because unable to
reach film.
Causes difficulty in distinguishing
anatomic organs

Scatter Radiation
Radiation that does not form an image

and is scattered in all directions.

Contrast is decreased because

inappropriate areas of the film are being

exposed.

Sources of Scatter Radiation

From the Patient
Table
Film Tray

Backscatter
Backscatter- radiation arising from

sources behind the image plane that are

scattered back to the image.
Avoid backscatter by limiting the size of
the x-ray beam so that the field does not
exceed the image receptor.
Cassettes contain lead- foil backing to
prevent backscatter from reaching the
film.

Grids
When thick body parts are being

radiographed, you want to minimize

scatter radiation, you do this by using a
grid.
Grid- device placed between the patient
and the radiographic film designed to
absorb non-image forming x-rays.
Composed of alternating strips of lead
and spacer material.

Grids Continued
Spacer material usually consists of fiber,

alumininum, or plastic because they

have low x-ray absorption
Grids may be

Placed on top of the cassette.

Built into the cassette.
Placed under the table between the patient
and the cassette.

Grid Pattern
Linear Grid- most table top machines are

equipped with a linear grid- Lead strips

parallel in their longitudinal axis.
Crossed Grid- 2 superimposed linear

grids absorbs maximum amount of

scatter radiation

Grids continued
Generally grids now are a part of the

cassette or the x-ray table.

Potter Bucky Diaphragm- usually found
in large animal situations.
Grids must be adequately cared for, can
not be dropped because will result in
permanent damage.

Radiographic Detail and

Definition
Terms used to describe image

sharpness, clarity, distinctness, and

perceptibility.
Lack of detail factors

1. Geometric unsharpness- loss of detail

due to geometric distortion
Large

focal spot size

Decreased SID
Motion
Screens and films

 2. Geometric Distortion and

Magnification- variation in size and

shape of anatomic structures due to their
position in relation to the x-ray source
and film.

Important to keep areas being

radiographed parallel to image receptor to
avoid distortion.
Distortions

include: Magnification, elongation,

foreshortening.