DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Practice Exam

A decrease in the MA (milliampere) will have what effect on the density of the radiograph?

1. true

2. false

The correct answer is: true

A decrease in the milliampere (MA) setting directly affects the exposure of the radiograph. The MA controls the number of electrons produced in the x-ray tube, which in turn determines the number of x-rays generated during the exposure. When the MA is decreased, fewer x-rays are produced. As a result, the density of the radiograph will decrease, meaning the radiograph will appear lighter. This occurs because fewer x-rays reach the film or digital receptor, leading to less exposure and, consequently, a less dense or lighter image. Understanding this relationship is crucial for manipulating exposure settings to achieve the desired radiographic qualities for accurate diagnostics.