In x-ray imaging, what does kVp stand for?

In the context of x-ray imaging, kVp stands for kilovolt peak. This term refers to the peak voltage applied across the x-ray tube during the exposure. The kVp setting is critical because it determines the energy of the x-rays produced. Higher kVp values result in more penetrating x-rays, which can be essential for imaging denser body parts. The quality and contrast of the image are also significantly influenced by the kVp setting, as it affects the overall radiation dose and the contrast between different tissues in the image.

Understanding kVp is fundamental for radiographers, as adjusting this parameter properly can enhance image quality while minimizing patient exposure to radiation. The other options, while related in that they mention voltage concepts, do not accurately describe the specific term used in x-ray production as kVp.