CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What is the required filtration for X-ray systems operating at 50 - 70 kVp?

1. 0.5 mm Al equivalent

2. 1.5 mm Al equivalent

3. 2.0 mm Al equivalent

4. 2.5 mm Al equivalent

The correct answer is: 1.5 mm Al equivalent

The required filtration for X-ray systems operating at 50 - 70 kVp is indeed 1.5 mm of aluminum equivalent. Filtration is critical in radiography as it helps to reduce patient dose and improve image quality by filtering out low-energy X-rays that contribute little to the diagnostic image but increase the overall radiation exposure to the patient. At this range of kilovoltage peak, 1.5 mm of aluminum effectively attenuates the less penetrating X-rays while allowing the higher energy, more penetrating X-rays to pass through, ensuring that the useful diagnostic beam is optimized. This filtration meets the standards set by regulatory bodies to balance patient safety with diagnostic efficacy. Filtration requirements vary based on the kilovoltage range; for example, lower kVp settings generally require less filtration, and higher settings require more. Thus, in the specific context of 50 - 70 kVp operations, the standard established for filtration is 1.5 mm of aluminum equivalent.