Bushong: Radiologic Science for Technologists, 11th Edition

Chapter 10: Concepts of Radiographic Image Quality

Answers to Challenge Questions

1. a. Measure of radiographic contrast. Gradient is the slope of the tangent at any point on
the characteristic curve. The average gradient is the slope of a line connecting a point
on the characteristic curve 0.25 above base + fog and a point 2.0 above base + fog.
b. Degree of black on an image.
c. A phenomenon in which the image of an inclined object can be smaller than the
object itself.
d. An undesirable loss of spatial resolution that is caused by a large effective focal
spot, a short SID, and a long OID; the most important factor in determining spatial
resolution.
e. Absorbs all incident light; absorbs all incident x-rays.
f. A device that measures optical density (OD).
g. Loss of spatial resolution that is the result of movement of the patient, the x-ray
tube, or the image receptor.
h. Unequal magnification of different portions of the same object.
i. The random nature in which x-rays interact with the image receptor; too few photons
to cover the image receptor uniformly.
j. The range of radiation exposure over which the image receptor responds with ODs
in the diagnostically useful range. Can also be thought of as the margin of error for the
radiographer in selecting technical factors.

2. Focal spot size.

3. A sensitometer or a combination of optical step-wedge and a densitometer, which

measure OD, is needed to construct the characteristic curve.

4. Processor deficiencies result in improper optical density, loss of contrast, and image
artifacts.

5. The answer will be worked out in class.

6. OD = 3; black.

7. Average gradient = 1.75/(2.0 – 1.3) = 2.5.

8. Concentration of processing chemicals; chemistry agitation; development time and

temperature.

9. A is faster; Speed of A = 67 R−1; Speed of B = 22 R−1.

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Answers to Challenge Questions 10-2

10. Focal spot size, SID, and OID.

11. Most radiology departments use a standard SID of 180 cm for chest imaging, 100 cm
for routine examination, and 90 cm for special studies, such as mobile radiography and
skull radiography.

12. kVp; effective atomic number, tissue mass density, patient thickness, and patient
shape.

13. With foreshortening, an image of an inclined object appears to be smaller than the
object itself; with elongation, the inclined object appears longer than it really is.

14. The H&H contrast curve is a graph of the slope of the H&D curve as a function of
OD.

15. Standard film-processing techniques are absolutely necessary for consistent film
contrast and good radiographic quality. Radiographic contrast can be greatly affected by
changes in either image-receptor contrast or subject contrast. OD is affected by total
exposure and mAs. Proper exposure is the best control the radiologic technologist can
exercise.

16. See Figures 10-4 and 10-7.

17. Heart size = 13 cm ´ [(100 – 15)/100] = 11 cm.

18. Radiographic contrast = 5.3 ´ 3.2 = 17.

19. The reciprocity law states that the OD on a radiograph is proportional only to the total
energy imparted to the radiographic film. Whether a radiograph is exposed over a very
short period or over days, the OD will be the same if the total energy imparted, and
therefore the mAs, is constant.

20. Radiographic intensifying screens increase image contrast.

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