164 PA R T I II The Radiographic Image
Resolution
A
B ulate these tools according to each specific clinical
FIGURE 10-1 A, Hip radiograph demonstrating the mottled,
grainy appearance associated with quantum mottle that results
from the use of a low number of x-rays to produce the image.
B, In comparison, an optimal hip image shows greater recorded
detail. (Courtesy Tim Gienapp, Apollo College.)
Quantum mottle is similar to the sowing of grass
seed. If very little seed is broadcast, the resulting grass
will be thin with only a few blades. Likewise, when
fewer x-rays are “cast” at the image receptor, the result-
ing image appears mottled. On the other hand, if a lot
of seed is cast, the resulting grass will be thick and
smooth. In the same way, when more x-rays interact
with the image receptor, the image appears smooth, like
a lush lawn.
Speed
Two of the characteristics of radiographic quality, reso-
lution and noise, are intimately connected with a third
characteristic—speed. Although the speed of the image
receptor is not apparent on the radiographic image,
it very much influences resolution and noise. In fact,
a variation in any one of these characteristics alters
the other two (Figure 10-2). In general, the following
rules apply:
Radiographic Quality
Noise Speed
FIGURE 10-2 Resolution, noise, and speed are interrelated
characteristics of radiographic quality.
Radiographic Quality Rules
1. Fast image receptors have high noise and
low spatial resolution and low contrast
resolution.
2. High spatial resolution and high contrast
resolution require low noise and slow
image receptors.
3. Low noise accompanies slow image recep-
tors with high spatial resolution and high
contrast resolution.
Radiologic technologists are provided with all of the
physical tools required to produce high-quality radio-
graphs. Skillful radiologic technologists properly manip-
situation.
In general, the quality of a radiograph is directly
related to an understanding of the basic principles of
x-ray physics and the factors that affect radiographic
quality. Figure 10-3 is an organizational chart of the
principal factors that affect screen-film radiographic
quality, most of which are under the control of radiologic
technologists. Each is considered in detail in this chapter.
FILM FACTORS
Unexposed x-ray film that has been processed appears
quite lucent, like frosted window glass. It easily trans-
mits light but not images. On the other hand, exposed,
processed x-ray film can be quite opaque. Properly
exposed film appears with various shades of gray, and
heavily exposed film appears black.
The study of the relationship between the intensity
of exposure of the film and the blackness after process-
ing is called sensitometry. Knowledge of the sensitomet-
ric aspects of radiographic film is essential for maintaining
adequate quality control.
Characteristic Curve
The two principal measurements involved in sensitom-
etry are the exposure to the film and the percentage
of light transmitted through the processed film. Such