Which statement best describes the effect of added filtration on the x-ray beam?

Which statement best describes the effect of added filtration on the x-ray beam?

• A. Wrist watch
• B. Exposed LED electronics
• C. Smoking in the darkroom
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Added filtration hardens the beam by removing the low-energy photons. This improves beam quality (higher average photon energy), which penetrates tissue more uniformly. Because those low-energy photons contributed to patient dose without improving image formation, filtration lowers the patient's skin and overall exposure. The beam reaching the detector becomes less intense, so more exposure might be needed to maintain receptor exposure. Higher-energy photons also reduce the differential attenuation between tissues, which can decrease image contrast at a fixed technique.

Added filtration hardens the beam by removing the low-energy photons. This improves beam quality (higher average photon energy), which penetrates tissue more uniformly. Because those low-energy photons contributed to patient dose without improving image formation, filtration lowers the patient's skin and overall exposure. The beam reaching the detector becomes less intense, so more exposure might be needed to maintain receptor exposure. Higher-energy photons also reduce the differential attenuation between tissues, which can decrease image contrast at a fixed technique.