X-Ray Image Production Procedures

Describe X-ray tube in detail and factor controlling production of X-ray beam.
Answer.

For X-ray tube in detail refer to Ans 1 of same chapter.

Factors controlling Production of X-ray Beam

Following are the factors which control production of X-ray beam:

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X-ray Tube current

Tube current (mA) determines the number of X-ray photons generated.
Increase in the mA increases the generation of more electrons at cathode which strike the target to produce more X-ray photons.
So the quantity of radiation produced by the X-ray tube is directly proportional to the tube current and the time, tube is operated.
Linear relationship exist between mA and tube output.

X-ray Tube Voltage

Tube voltage is the measurement of electrical force which causes electrons to move from negative cathode to positive anode.
Energy of electrons is controlled by the tube voltage. As there is an increase in (kVp), energy of each electron striking the target increases which leads to increase in number of X-ray photons generated.
Increase in kVp increases number of photons generated; increase mean energy of photons and increases maximum energy of photons.

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Exposure Time

When the exposure time is doubled and kVp as well as mA should be kept constant the number of X-ray photons generated become doubled.
As changes in exposure time is made this influences the quantity of X-rays produced.

Filtration

In filtration X-ray photons of less penetrating power are removed by placing a filter in path of primary beam, this allows only X-ray photons of sufficient energy to pass through.
Usage of filters increases the contrast and quality of film while the density gets affected, so when there is an increase in filtration, increase in the exposure time is needed.

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Collimation

Collimator shape or restrict the size of an X-ray beam which strikes the tissue of a patient.
Collimation leads to decrease in the size of X-ray beam and the amount of scattered photons.
Volume of irradiated tissues is decreased by the collimation so there is decrease in exposure of radiation to the patient.
Collimation reduces the film fog and enhances the quality of image.

Inverse square Law

The law states that the intensity of an X-ray beam at a given point is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source of radiation.
Decrease in intensity of X-ray is because of divergent nature of X-rays.

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Quality of X-ray Beam

Quality of X-ray beam is its mean energy or penetrating ability.
Quality of an X-ray beam is governed by its kVp. As there is increase in kVp, X-ray photons of high energy and better penetrating power are produced.

Quantity of X-ray Beam

It refers to the number of X-ray photons produced.
Quantity depends on the product of mA and exposure time in seconds.
As there is increase in mA, more number of electrons are released in cathode and they strike the target to produce more number of X-ray photons.

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Half Value Layer

It refers to the thickness of specified material, which is required to reduce the intensity of an X-ray beam by one-half.
Half-value layer designates the penetrating power of the X-ray beam.

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