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The misrepresentation of the true size or shape of an object. Factors that affect distortion include the object’s position relative to the X-ray beam and the image receptor, as well as the beam angulation.

A numeric representation of the exposure the digital image receptor received. It helps assess whether the image was underexposed or overexposed. Manufacturers have proprietary scaling systems.

The use of materials, usually aluminum, to absorb low-energy X-ray photons from the beam before it reaches the patient, reducing dose and improving beam quality. Total filtration in diagnostic radiology is typically 2.5 mm Al equivalent.

Describes how the intensity of radiation is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source. Given by

The practice of constraining the X-ray beam size to the area of diagnostic interest to minimize radiation exposure and improve image quality. Achieved through collimation and the use of cone or cylinder attachments.

An interaction in which an X-ray photon completely transfers its energy to an inner shell electron, resulting in high contrast images. The likelihood increases with higher atomic number materials and lower photon energies.

The measure of how efficiently an imaging system converts the X-ray input signal into a useful output image. High DQE indicates better image quality and possibly reduced dose to achieve sufficient image quality.

A type of interaction between X-ray photons and matter resulting in a change in the X-ray's direction and a slight loss of energy, contributing to image noise and potentially decreasing image contrast.

The size of the area on the anode where X-rays are produced. Typical sizes are small (0.5-1 mm) for fine detail and large (1-2 mm) for body parts with greater thickness.

A measure of the amount of useful information (signal) compared to the amount of background noise. Higher SNR indicates better image quality with less noise.

A device composed of alternating radiopaque and radiolucent materials used to reduce scattered radiation, improving image contrast. They have various ratios, commonly from 6:1 to 16:1.

The difference in density between adjacent areas on a radiographic image. Influenced by kVp, patient thickness, and tissue composition. High contrast has more black and white, low contrast appears more gray.

The sensitivity of the film-screen system to X-ray exposure. Higher speed systems require less radiation but may have decreased image resolution. Speed ratings range from 50 (detail) to 800 (high speed).

The peak voltage applied to the X-ray tube, affecting beam penetration and image contrast. Typical values range from 50 to 150 kVp.

The amount of electric current passing through the X-ray tube, influencing the number of X-ray photons produced. Typical settings vary from 50 to 400 mA.

The act of restricting the size and shape of the X-ray beam to the area of interest to reduce patient exposure and scatter radiation, thereby improving image contrast.

A system that measures the amount of radiation reaching the image receptor and terminates the exposure when the required density is achieved. Settings are adjusted based on patient size and anatomy.

The ability of an imaging system to distinguish small structures as separate entities. Measured in line pairs per millimeter (lp/mm), typical resolution for diagnostic radiography ranges from 2.5 to 5 lp/mm.

The overall blackening of the radiographic image. Controlled by mA, exposure time, and SID. Higher density appears darker, and vice versa.

The enlargement of the radiographic image compared to the actual size of the object. It is influenced by SID and OID (Object to Image Distance). Less magnification is achieved with a larger SID and a smaller OID.

Random fluctuations in the optical density of a radiographic image, which can obscure detail. It can result from the graininess of the imaging receptor, scatter radiation, or insufficient X-ray exposure.

The duration the X-ray beam is on, affecting the total number of X-ray photons emitted. Typical exposure times range from 10 ms to several seconds.

The distance between the focus of the X-ray tube and the image receptor. Common SIDs include 100 cm (40 inches) or 180 cm (72 inches).