How does patient thickness affect radiograph quality?

Patient thickness significantly influences radiograph quality primarily because thicker patients may require higher technical factors, such as increased kilovoltage (kV) or milliamperage (mA), to achieve optimal image quality. Thicker body parts absorb more radiation, resulting in less x-ray penetration. Consequently, to ensure that an adequate amount of x-rays reaches the image receptor for proper exposure and contrast, adjustments must be made in the technical settings.

When a radiographic examination is performed on a thicker patient, the increased path length of the x-rays leads to a greater likelihood of attenuation, meaning that some of the x-rays will be absorbed by the tissues before they reach the receptor. By increasing the kV, the radiographer can enhance the penetration of x-rays through denser tissue, allowing for better exposure of the image receptor. This adjustment maintains the diagnostic quality of the radiograph while ensuring the image remains clear and interpretable.

Thus, understanding how to make these adjustments based on patient thickness is crucial for radiographers to produce high-quality images that are essential for accurate diagnosis.