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Physics

Ch 11

QuestionAnswer
What is scatter radiation? X‑ray photons that have changed direction after interacting with matter.
What causes scatter radiation in radiography? Interactions (mainly Compton scattering) between x‑ray photons and patient tissues.
Why is scatter radiation undesirable in radiographic imaging? It degrades image contrast and adds unwanted dose to patient and operator.
What is the primary method to reduce scatter reaching the image receptor? Use of a grid.
What is a grid in radiography? A device placed between patient and image receptor that absorbs scatter before it reaches the receptor.
What does grid “ratio” refer to? The height of lead strips divided by the distance between them (height/spacing).
How does increasing the grid ratio affect scatter cleanup? Higher grid ratio absorbs more scatter photons.
What is a disadvantage of a high‑ratio grid? Requires increased exposure (mAs), increasing patient dose.
What is grid “frequency”? Number of lead strips per centimeter or inch.
How does grid frequency affect image quality? Higher frequency reduces visible grid lines but may increase absorption of primary beam.
What is grid “cutoff”? Loss of primary beam and image density due to misalignment or misuse of the grid.
Name three common causes of grid cutoff. Wrong SID, improper grid‑detector alignment, grid angled incorrectly.
How does field size affect scatter production? Larger field size → more scatter.
How does collimation affect scatter? Reducing field size via collimation decreases scatter.
What is beam restriction? Limiting the x‑ray beam to the area of interest using collimators or apertures.
Why is beam restriction important? Reduces scatter, lowers patient dose, improves image quality/contrast.
How does patient thickness affect scatter production? Thicker patients → more scatter due to increased interaction volume.
What is compression in radiography? Applying pressure or immobilization to reduce patient thickness.
How does compression affect scatter and image quality? Reduces scatter, lowers dose, improves contrast.
What is a moving grid (reciprocal grid)? Grid that moves during exposure to blur its lines and reduce artifacts.
What is a stationary grid? A fixed grid that does not move during exposure.
What type of grid is typically used in general radiography? Moving (reciprocal) grid.
What is the recommended grid ratio for general radiography? Often 8:1 or 10:1 (varies by exam and technique).
What is the effect of using no grid on image quality and dose? Lower image contrast (more scatter) but lower patient dose and simpler positioning.
What interaction primarily produces scatter in diagnostic imaging? Compton scattering.
How does increasing kVp affect scatter production? Higher kVp increases scatter proportion relative to absorption.
What is the scatter‑to‑primary ratio (SPR)? The ratio of scattered photons to primary (useful) photons reaching the receptor.
How does SPR affect image contrast? Higher SPR → lower contrast (more fog).
What is backscatter? Scatter radiation that is reflected back toward the source or operator from patient or surfaces.
How does backscatter affect occupational exposure? Increases operator dose if shielding or distance not adequate.
What is a radiographic apron used for? To shield personnel from scatter and backscatter radiation.
What is lead equivalent of a protective barrier/apron? The thickness of lead that provides equivalent attenuation (often 0.5 mm Pb for aprons).
What is the effect of using beam‑limiting devices on patient dose? Reduces unnecessary exposure by limiting irradiated volume.
What is the primary disadvantage of excessive collimation? Potential for cutoff of anatomy of interest if misaligned.
What is “grid ratio vs scatter cleanup” tradeoff? Higher grid ratio → better scatter removal but increased dose and need for precise technique.
What is the purpose of a moving grid blur? To eliminate visible grid lines on the radiograph.
What should be considered when selecting a grid for a specific exam? Patient size, exam type, kVp, field size, expected scatter amount.
What is grid cutoff caused by improper SID? If SID is outside the recommended range, primary beam may be absorbed by grid strips → underexposure.
What is the benefit of using a high‑frequency grid? Less visible grid lines on the image.
What is cross‑hatch grid? Grid with lead strips in two perpendicular directions (rarely used, requires precise alignment).
Why are cross‑hatch grids not commonly used in general radiography? Difficult to align central ray and receptor — easy to cause severe cutoff.
What is a moving grid “oscillating” along during exposure? It moves the lead strips laterally to blur out grid lines.
How does improper centering affect grid performance? Increases risk of grid cutoff and uneven receptor exposure.
What is quantum noise from scatter? Variation in receptor exposure caused by random scatter photons reducing image contrast.
What is receptor exposure “fog”? Unwanted receptor exposure primarily from scatter radiation, lowering contrast.
What is subject contrast? Contrast resulting from differences in absorption by patient tissues.
How does scatter affect subject contrast? Scatter adds uniform exposure, reducing contrast between tissues.
What is the effect of increasing mAs to compensate for grid absorption? Increases patient dose, may increase scatter production.
What is “air gap” technique? Increasing OID (object-to-image distance) to reduce scatter reaching the receptor.
How does increasing OID reduce scatter? Scatter photons diverge and miss the receptor due to distance.
What is a common disadvantage of the air gap technique? Increased magnification and potential for unsharpness.
What is a bucky tray? The part of the x‑ray table or wall unit that holds and moves the grid.
Why must the grid‑tray align properly with central ray? To avoid grid cutoff and uneven exposure.
What is backscatter guard? Lead shield behind patient or table to reduce scatter toward operator.
What is the relationship between patient dose and scatter control? Better scatter control reduces required radiation, lowering dose while improving image quality.
What is the ideal balance for scatter control in radiography? Sufficient primary x‑rays for image formation + minimal scatter — achieved via optimal kVp, mAs, collimation, grid use.
What is “scatter fraction”? Portion of total radiation reaching the receptor that is scatter (vs primary).
How does grid use affect scatter fraction? Reduces scatter fraction by absorbing scatter before it reaches receptor.
What is the effect of poor grid maintenance (damaged grid) on images? Uneven exposure, grid lines, cutoff — poor image quality.
What is “grid alignment test”? QC procedure to ensure grid is properly aligned to tube and receptor for correct use.
What is a “moving‑grid blur pattern test”? QC check to verify moving grid is functioning and grid lines are properly blurred.
What is the definitions of grid selectivity vs contrast improvement ratio? Selectivity: ability to transmit primary vs scatter; Contrast improvement: degree of contrast increase when using grid.
Why might a technologist omit a grid for pediatric or portable extremity exams? Because small field size and low scatter make grid unnecessary — reduces dose and simplifies setup.
What is the benefit of using a grid for chest radiography? Removes high scatter due to large anatomy — improves contrast and diagnostic quality.
What does “beam‑restricting device” refer to? Collimator, cones, or aperture diaphragm used to shape the beam and reduce scatter.
What is “gonadal shielding” in context of scatter control? Lead shields placed over radiosensitive organs to reduce unnecessary scatter or direct radiation exposure.
How does correct patient positioning contribute to scatter control? Minimizes tissue overlap, limits irradiated volume, reduces scatter.
What is the effect of beam energy (kVp) on scatter-to-primary ratio? Higher kVp → increased scatter relative to absorption → higher SPR.
What is a drawback of using too low kVp to reduce scatter? Increased patient dose, increased absorption, lower penetration for thick anatomy.
What combination of techniques yields best image quality with minimal dose? Proper kVp/mAs, collimation, grid selection, collimation, minimal OID, compression when appropriate.
What is the radiographer’s role in scatter radiation control? Select appropriate technique, use collimation, choose/add grids when needed, maintain QC of grids and beam‑limitation.
What is the relationship between field size and patient dose? Larger field size → more tissue irradiated → higher patient dose.
What is the main purpose of QC for grid and beam‑restriction devices? Ensure consistent scatter control, prevent artifacts, and maintain image quality while managing dose.
What is “contrast improvement factor (K)”? Ratio of contrast with grid to contrast without grid — measures how much contrast is improved by grid use.
What is a “grid conversion factor (GCF)”? The factor by which mAs must be increased when switching from non‑grid to grid technique to maintain receptor exposure.
Created by: user-1983814
 

 



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