Podcast
Questions and Answers
What effect does increasing kVp have on photon energy?
What effect does increasing kVp have on photon energy?
Which characteristic describes the ideal kV waveform?
Which characteristic describes the ideal kV waveform?
What is the primary consequence of an incorrectly calibrated kV waveform?
What is the primary consequence of an incorrectly calibrated kV waveform?
What does a flat mA waveform indicate during X-ray exposure?
What does a flat mA waveform indicate during X-ray exposure?
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How often should the mA waveform be calibrated?
How often should the mA waveform be calibrated?
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What happens to photon quantity when mA is decreased?
What happens to photon quantity when mA is decreased?
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What effect does an overshot kV waveform have on patient safety?
What effect does an overshot kV waveform have on patient safety?
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Which of the following outcomes is a direct consequence of a flat kV and mA waveform?
Which of the following outcomes is a direct consequence of a flat kV and mA waveform?
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What is referred to as a rotor spike in the mA waveform?
What is referred to as a rotor spike in the mA waveform?
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What adjustment should be made first when correcting an improper kV waveform?
What adjustment should be made first when correcting an improper kV waveform?
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Study Notes
kV Waveform
- kVp represents the X-ray tube potential, controlling beam energy, photon frequency, and wavelength.
- Increased kVp results in higher photon energy, increased photon frequency, and decreased photon wavelength.
- Decreased kVp leads to lower photon energy, decreased photon frequency, and increased photon wavelength.
- Flat kV waveform: Ideal waveform, generating the selected kV from the beginning to the end of the exposure.
- Overshoot or undershoot: Improperly calibrated kV waveform, initially generating an incorrect kV value.
- Correcting kV waveform: First, ensure a flat waveform. Then, adjust the output kV to match the assigned kV. Recheck and adjust until both are correct.
- Consequences of incorrect kV waveform: Image quality issues (saturation or mottle), excessive patient dose, and generator faults.
mA Waveform
- mA represents the tube current, controlling the number of photons in the X-ray beam.
- Increased mA results in a higher quantity of photons but no change in photon energy.
- Decreased mA results in a lower quantity of photons but no change in photon energy.
- Rotor spike: A normal initial spike in the mA waveform as power is supplied to the anode assembly to spin the rotor.
- Flat mA waveform: After the initial rotor spike, the waveform should be flat throughout the exposure duration.
- Calibrating mA waveform: Calibration must be performed for each mA station on every kV setting and regularly updated as the tube ages.
- Consequences of incorrect mA waveform: Image quality issues, unnecessary patient dose, and generator faults.
Summary
- Both kV and mA waveforms should be flat during the exposure to ensure:
- Correct X-ray output
- Correct X-ray energy
- Optimal image quality
- Optimal patient dose
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Description
This quiz covers the fundamentals of kV and mA waveforms in X-ray technology. It focuses on how changes in voltage and current affect beam energy, photon characteristics, and image quality. Additionally, it highlights the importance of waveform calibration and its impact on patient safety and diagnostic accuracy.
