What is the unit of measure for tube current?

The unit of measure for tube current is milliamperage (mA). Tube current refers to the flow of electric current passing through the x-ray tube during the imaging process, which ultimately influences the number of x-rays produced. Higher tube current results in more x-ray photons being generated, leading to an increase in image density and overall exposure.

Milliamperage allows radiographers to control the quantity of radiation that reaches the image receptor, thereby impacting the quality and clarity of the final radiographic image. Adjusting the mA settings is a crucial aspect of radiography, as it helps to optimize image quality while minimizing patient exposure to radiation.

The other units mentioned serve different purposes. Seconds (s) measure time duration, kilovoltage peak (kVp) measures the quality or energy of the x-ray beam, and milligray per second (mGy/s) quantifies radiation dose rate, which is not directly related to the tube current itself. Understanding the specific role of each parameter is essential for effective radiographic practice.