Which three parameters can a technologist assign directly when using automatic exposure control (AEC)?

The correct parameters a technologist can directly assign when using automatic exposure control (AEC) include kilovoltage peak (kVp), time, and other settings related to the image acquisition process, but not specifically milliampere-seconds (mAs), source-to-image distance (SID), or object-to-image distance (OID).

When utilizing AEC, the system is designed to automatically adjust the exposure time based on the radiation detection of the image receptor. In this context, kVp is crucial because it influences the quality of the X-ray beam and the penetration capability of the radiation through the body. Setting an appropriate kVp is essential to yield an optimal balance between image contrast and patient dose.

While milliampere-seconds (mAs) is a critical factor in determining the total amount of radiation used, it is automatically controlled by the AEC system based on the exposure needed to achieve the desired image. Similarly, SID and OID are geometric factors that influence image sharpness and magnification but are not directly adjusted through AEC settings; they are typically fixed based on the examination protocol.

Thus, the ability to assign a kVp setting is fundamental in optimizing the use of AEC technology in radiographic practices.