Dr Saket Jain

Degree of blackening within the image

Defined more accurately when type of
image receptor is considered
1- Photographic film
2- Digital image capture
Difference in density between structures of
interest within the image .
Built up in three main stages
1) Subject contrast
2) Radiographic contrast
3) Subjective contrast
Feature of object (subject) under examination
Factors that influence
1) The region of body under examination
2) Contrast media
3) Pathology
4) Kilo voltage
Is the difference in optical density on different
parts of the processed film or differences in
computer screen brightness and depends on
1) Subject contrast
2) Scattered radiation reaching the image
receptor
3) Image acquisition device
4) Film fog
5) Exposure
6) Development
The personal appreciation of the contrast in
the image
Depends on
1) Radiographic contrast
2) The observer
3) Viewing condition
4) Computer screen / monitor
For a given FFD (focus to film distance) the
greater the distance between the object and
the film the greater will be the magnification
of the image .
image size FFD
Magnification = =
object size FOD
FOD focus to object distance
Distorted image will be produced if not all
parts of the image are magnified by the same
amount .
Beam is right angle to object = distorted
elongated image is produced
Beam is right angle to image receptor than
the foreshortened image is produced
The aim is to produce an image that is as
sharp as possible in order to resolve fine
detail within the image
Important for looking subtle fractures
Factor lead to UNSHARPNESS
1) Geometry
2) Movement
3) Absorption
4) Photographic / acquistion factors
Degree increases by increased focal spot size
and increased object to film distance
object to film distance
x focal spot size
object to focus distance
Sharpness can be increased by using a
shorter exposure time (lower mAs with
higher KVp , higher mA or greater tube
loading time) by small object to film distance
& immobilisation .
The choice of factors will depend on the region
being examined .
Exposure factors to be selected are
1) The mAs
2) The kilovoltage
3) The FFD focus to film distance
MA = tube current = number of electrons and
quantity of x-rays produced Intensity
X-ray tube current and exposure time (sec)
Density is diectly related
General rule mA should be as high as
possible with a short time , to reduce the risk
of movement unsharpness
KVP = Energy of x-rays = higher penetrability,
it moves through tissue Density directly but
not linearly related
Contrast depends
Halving or doubling mAs is equivalent to
increasing or decreasing kVp by 10-15%
X-ray tube not to be too closed
Short FFD could give unacceptable geometric
unsharpness
FFD not to be excessive otherwise the large
increase in mAs required would mean high
tube loading
Most radiographic examinations are carried
out at 100 cms
Focus to Film distance :
new dist 2
New mAs x original mAs
old dist 2
Undesirable fluctuation in optical density of
the image .
If image acquisition device is used , then an
insufficient mAs will manifest as noise or
mottle .
Radiographic variables Density Contrast
Increase MAS increase no change
Decrease MAS decrease no change
increase KVP increase decrease
decrease KVP decrease increase
increase FFD decrease no change
decrease FFD increase no change
increase OID decrease increase
decrease OID increase decrease
increase collimation decrease increase
decrease collimation increase decrease
200 cm 150 cm 100 cm
GEOMETRIC MOVEMENT PHOTOGRAPHIC
A Use fine focus,
standardized(large) FFD
Use short exposure time
with high tube loading
Use fine grained screens,
single sided emulsion
B Use small OFD, avoid
equipment vibration
Use small OFD ;
immobilization ; make
patient comfortable ; give
clear instructions to
patient about keeping
still
Ensure all cassettes
maintain good film /
screen contact
OFD object to film distance