Beam Restriction Flashcards
What factors influence the amount of Compton scatter?
- Beam restriction (collimation)
- Thickness & density of the part
- kVp
How does increasing kVp affect Compton scatter?
Increasing kVp increases the amount of scatter relative to the photoelectric effect
What is the purpose of using grids in radiography?
To absorb scatter radiation produced within the patient
What is the impact of using grids on image quality and patient dose?
Using grids improves image contrast at the expense of patient dose
What must be done to compensate for the use of a grid?
Technique must be increased to compensate for the use of a grid because grids remove part of the primary beam
Fill in the blank:
More available _______ leads to increased scatter.
[electrons]
What is one method to reduce patient dose and scatter radiation?
Restricting the beam or collimating
How does collimation affect patient dose?
It decreases the amount of radiation that interacts with the patient and reduces the patient dose
Proper collimation is essential for optimal radiation safety.
What is the effect of properly collimating the beam?
It reduces the amount of scatter produced
This is achieved by limiting the interaction of photons with matter.
True or False: Collimation increases the amount of scatter radiation.
False
Proper collimation actually reduces scatter radiation.
Fill in the blank: Collimation _______ the amount of matter that the photons can interact with.
Reduces
What is the maximum allowable collimation limit on all four sides for tabletop exams?
1 inch beyond the anatomy of interest
What is the starting point for collimation size?
The size of the image receptor
This helps to ensure that the entire area of interest is adequately covered.
What are the 4 major benefits of proper collimation?
- Reducing scatter radiation
- Reducing unnecessary exposure by the primary beam
- Increasing contrast
- Reducing patient dose
True or False: Beam restriction (collimation) does not impact patient dose.
False
What is the effect of atomic number on scattering according to Bushong?
Atomic number has no effect on the likelihood of scattering.
True or False: Atomic number directly affects scatter.
False.
Atomic number does not directly affect scatter, although it influences the amount of scatter due to density.
What device is primarily used to restrict the primary beam field size in radiography?
Collimator.
The collimator is the most commonly employed beam restrictor in radiography.
What accessory do most collimators now include?
Positive beam limitation (PBL) device
The PBL device automatically adjusts the beam to match the size of the image receptor.
True or False: The field size should never be greater than the image receptor size.
True
This guideline is essential to prevent unnecessary exposure and ensure optimal image quality.
What are the typical standard sizes for image receptors mentioned?
14x17 or 17x17
These sizes are commonly used in radiographic imaging.
How many sets of shutters do collimators typically have?
2 sets (sometimes 3)
The additional set may be used for specific applications or enhanced functionality.
What is the purpose of entrance shutters in a collimator?
To help remove off-focus radiation
Off-focus radiation can degrade image quality by adding unwanted exposure.
Fill in the blank: Field size should never be greater than the _______.
[image receptor size]
Adhering to this guideline is crucial for effective radiographic practice.
The second set of collimator shutters are controlled by the ______________?
technologist
What does the light field in x-ray imaging use to project the area of the x-ray beam?
Light reflected off a mirror
Why is proper adjustment of the mirror necessary in x-ray imaging?
To accurately display the location of the exposure field
What is the accuracy requirement for light field/x-ray beam coincidence testing?
Within +/- 2% of the SID
What test is used to check the light field/x-ray beam coincidence?
Penny test (at 40” SID)
What is the diameter of the penny used in the penny test?
.80”
What percentage of 40” does the penny’s diameter (.80”) represent?
2%