Which factor affects the amount of radiation exposure a patient receives?

The type of radiographic technique used is a crucial factor in determining the amount of radiation exposure a patient receives. Different techniques employ varying parameters such as kVp (kilovolt peak), mA (milliamperes), exposure time, and the type of film or digital sensor being utilized. For instance, higher kVp settings can penetrate tissues more effectively, resulting in less radiation being necessary to achieve a diagnostic image, while techniques that utilize lower kVp may require longer exposure times to produce a diagnostic-quality image.

Moreover, advanced techniques such as digital radiography often use lower doses of radiation compared to traditional film techniques due to the increased sensitivity of digital sensors. This means that the choice of equipment and approach can significantly impact the dose the patient receives during the imaging process.