What Is an Overexposed X-Ray—and How Can Veterinary Clinics Prevent It?
What Is an Overexposed X-Ray—and How Can Veterinary Clinics Prevent It?
An overexposed veterinary radiograph receives more X-ray exposure than is needed to produce a diagnostic image. With traditional film, the result is usually an image that appears excessively dark. With digital radiography, however, the problem can be much harder to recognize.
Digital imaging software can automatically adjust brightness and contrast, making an overexposed image appear acceptable on the monitor. The image may look good even though the patient received more radiation than necessary.
That is why veterinary teams should not judge exposure by image brightness alone. Proper technique charts, patient measurements, positioning, collimation, exposure indicators, equipment maintenance, and staff training all play important roles in producing consistently diagnostic radiographs.
Important distinction: A radiograph that looks too dark is not necessarily overexposed, and an overexposed digital radiograph may not look too dark. In digital radiography, displayed brightness is heavily influenced by computer processing.
What Does “Overexposed” Mean?
During a radiographic exposure, X-ray photons pass through the patient and reach the image receptor. That receptor may be conventional film, a computed radiography plate, or a digital detector.
The goal is not to send as much radiation as possible through the patient. The goal is to use the lowest exposure that still produces an image with enough detail and an acceptable level of noise for diagnosis.
An exposure that is too low may create a noisy or grainy digital image, sometimes called quantum mottle. An exposure that is unnecessarily high may reduce visible noise, but it also increases radiation exposure and can eventually cause important image information to be lost.
Film and Digital Radiographs Behave Differently
Overexposure With Traditional Film
With screen-film radiography, there is a direct relationship between exposure and the darkness of the processed film. Too much exposure generally produces a film that is too dark. If the overexposure is severe, anatomical details may be obscured and the radiograph may be nondiagnostic.
A bright viewing light may occasionally help reveal information on a mildly overexposed film, but it cannot restore detail that was never properly recorded or that has been lost in a severely overexposed area.
Overexposure With Digital Radiography
Digital radiography has a much wider exposure range than film. After an image is acquired, the computer processes the data and adjusts how the image is displayed. This can make an image obtained with too much radiation appear properly exposed.
Changing the monitor brightness, window level, or window width changes how the image is displayed. It does not change the amount of radiation that was used to create it.
Severe digital overexposure can still cause detector saturation or clipping. When that happens, areas of the image may lose useful information and appear uniformly black or otherwise lack visible detail. Post-processing cannot recreate information that the detector failed to preserve.
Why Overexposure Matters
Overexposure is not simply a cosmetic image problem. It can affect patient care, radiation safety, workflow, and equipment use.
- Unnecessary patient exposure: The patient may receive more ionizing radiation than was required for the examination.
- Loss of diagnostic information: Severe exposure can saturate portions of a digital detector or obscure detail on film.
- Unnecessary retakes: A nondiagnostic image may have to be repeated, increasing radiation exposure and consuming staff time.
- More stress for the patient: Retakes prolong positioning or restraint and may require additional sedation.
- Radiation exposure to personnel: Additional exposures increase the potential occupational exposure of team members, particularly when hands-free positioning practices are not used.
- Premature equipment wear: Habitually excessive techniques create unnecessary heat loading and use of the X-ray tube.
The appropriate principle is ALARA: radiation exposure should be kept “as low as reasonably achievable” while still producing an image that answers the clinical question.
What Is Exposure Creep?
Exposure creep is a gradual increase in the techniques used for digital radiographs. It can occur because a slightly higher exposure often reduces visible image noise, while the computer prevents the image from looking obviously too dark.
Over time, staff members may begin using progressively higher settings because the images appear smoother or because higher techniques seem to reduce the risk of an underexposed image. The clinic may not recognize the increase unless it routinely reviews exposure indicators and technique-chart performance.
A cleaner-looking digital image is not automatically a better image. Once sufficient diagnostic quality has been achieved, additional exposure may provide little or no clinical benefit.
Understand kVp and mAs
The two primary exposure controls are kilovoltage peak, or kVp, and milliampere-seconds, or mAs. They affect the X-ray beam differently.
kVp
kVp primarily controls the energy and penetrating ability of the X-ray beam. Increasing kVp allows more X-rays to penetrate the patient and reach the receptor. It also affects radiographic contrast and scatter production.
Small changes in kVp can produce substantial changes in receptor exposure, so kVp should not be adjusted casually.
mAs
mAs controls the quantity of X-ray photons produced. Increasing mAs generally increases the exposure reaching the receptor. Decreasing mAs reduces the number of photons and may increase image noise if it is lowered too far.
Technique corrections should be based on the appearance of the original image, the exposure indicator, the selected examination, patient thickness, positioning, collimation, and the clinic’s validated technique chart—not on a blanket instruction to lower one setting every time an image looks dark.
How to Recognize Overexposure on a Digital System
Because displayed brightness is unreliable, veterinary teams should review the exposure feedback provided by their system.
Exposure Index
The exposure index, often abbreviated as EI, is a numerical indicator associated with the amount of radiation reaching the detector. It is not a direct measurement of the patient’s radiation dose, but it provides useful feedback about detector exposure.
Veterinary clinics should learn exactly how the index works on their equipment. Older systems and different manufacturers may use different names and scales. On some systems, a higher number means higher detector exposure. On others, especially certain manufacturer-specific scales, the relationship may be reversed.
Target Exposure Index
The target exposure index is the expected detector exposure for a particular examination when the image has acceptable diagnostic quality. Targets may differ according to the body part, projection, patient size, detector, grid use, and clinical purpose.
Deviation Index
Some systems display a deviation index, or DI, showing how far the actual detector exposure differs from the target exposure. A DI near zero generally indicates that the exposure was close to the established target.
The exposure index or deviation index should not be used as the only reason to repeat an image. The veterinary professional should first determine whether the radiograph includes the required anatomy and is diagnostic. An image should not be repeated merely to obtain a perfect number.
Common Causes of Overexposed Veterinary Radiographs
1. Incorrect Patient Measurement
Guessing the patient’s thickness is one of the fastest ways to select the wrong technique. Measurements should be taken at the thickest part of the anatomy being examined and in the position that will be used for the exposure.
For example, a thorax or abdomen may measure differently when the patient is in lateral recumbency than when the patient is standing. Measure the patient after positioning whenever practical.
2. Wrong Examination or Anatomy Selected
Many digital systems use examination-specific processing and technique presets. Selecting “abdomen” when performing a thoracic study—or choosing the wrong patient-size category—may apply inappropriate exposure factors or image-processing algorithms.
Confirm the patient, anatomical region, projection, detector, grid status, and size category before every exposure.
3. Technique Chart Errors
A technique chart may be incorrect, outdated, or based on a different generator, detector, grid, focal distance, or processing system. Technique charts should be developed and validated for the clinic’s actual equipment.
Replacing a detector or generator without reassessing the chart can create consistent exposure errors even when team members follow the chart correctly.
4. Poor Collimation
The X-ray field should be restricted to the anatomy of interest. Excessively open collimation exposes more tissue and creates additional scatter radiation, which reduces image contrast and unnecessarily increases the irradiated area.
Poor collimation can also interfere with some computed radiography systems’ ability to recognize the exposure field correctly, potentially affecting image processing and the reported exposure indicator.
5. Grid-Related Errors
Grids absorb scatter radiation but also absorb some of the primary beam. A technique intended for use with a grid will usually be higher than a nongrid technique. Accidentally using a grid technique without a grid may cause excessive detector exposure.
The team should also verify correct grid alignment, centering, orientation, and focal distance to avoid grid cutoff and inconsistent image quality.
6. Incorrect Source-to-Image Distance
Technique charts are designed around a specific source-to-image distance. Moving the tube or detector closer together without making an appropriate technique adjustment can increase the exposure reaching the receptor.
7. Detector or Plate Differences
Different detectors and computed radiography plates may respond differently to the same technique. Clinics should avoid assuming that every receptor is interchangeable without testing and calibration.
8. Equipment or Calibration Problems
Generator output, timer accuracy, detector calibration, plate-reader performance, and software configuration can all affect exposure and image quality.
An equipment problem becomes more likely when multiple team members experience the same unexplained issue across many patients, body parts, or projections.
A Practical Troubleshooting Process
When a radiograph appears abnormal or the exposure indicator is outside the clinic’s expected range, use a systematic process rather than immediately changing the technique.
| Check | What to Confirm |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic quality | Is the required anatomy included, properly positioned, sharply recorded, and visible? |
| Exposure feedback | What are the exposure index, target index, and deviation index for this examination? |
| Patient measurement | Was the correct anatomical region measured in the actual exposure position? |
| Technique selection | Was the correct chart, body part, projection, patient size, detector, and grid status selected? |
| Collimation | Was the beam restricted to the necessary anatomy without clipping the area of interest? |
| Distance and centering | Were the source-to-image distance, tube alignment, and central ray correct? |
| Pattern | Is this an isolated operator error, or is the same problem occurring repeatedly across the clinic? |
Should an Overexposed Image Always Be Repeated?
No. Repeating every image with an imperfect exposure number can create more radiation exposure without improving patient care.
Before repeating an image, ask:
- Is all required anatomy included?
- Is positioning acceptable?
- Is motion controlled?
- Can the relevant structures be evaluated confidently?
- Is there evidence of detector saturation or lost information?
- Will repeating the study reasonably change the diagnosis or treatment decision?
If the image is diagnostic, it may not need to be repeated. The exposure problem should still be documented and used to improve future technique.
How Veterinary Clinics Can Prevent Overexposure
Create Equipment-Specific Technique Charts
Develop separate techniques when necessary for different anatomical regions, patient thicknesses, projections, grids, detectors, and source-to-image distances. Do not rely exclusively on a generic chart supplied for unrelated equipment.
Measure Every Patient Consistently
Keep calipers near the X-ray table and make measurement part of the standard workflow. Guessing should be the exception, not the normal procedure.
Review Exposure Indicators
Teach every operator how the clinic’s exposure indicator works. Establish expected ranges for common examinations and review trends instead of reacting to a single image.
Track Rejected and Repeated Images
A repeat-analysis program can identify recurring problems with positioning, anatomy selection, motion, collimation, technique, or equipment. The purpose is process improvement—not punishment.
Use Appropriate Positioning and Restraint
Proper positioning reduces motion and prevents avoidable retakes. When medically appropriate, sedation and positioning aids can improve consistency while reducing the need for staff members to manually hold patients.
Collimate Carefully
Include the anatomy required for diagnosis while avoiding an unnecessarily large exposure field. Good collimation improves image quality, reduces scatter, and limits the area exposed to radiation.
Maintain and Calibrate the Equipment
Follow the manufacturer’s recommended preventive-maintenance schedule. Detector calibration, plate care, generator testing, monitor quality, and software configuration should all be part of the clinic’s quality-assurance program.
Train the Entire Team
Every person who performs radiography should understand basic exposure principles, the clinic’s technique chart, the equipment’s exposure-index scale, positioning standards, collimation, repeat criteria, and radiation-safety procedures.
When to Request Equipment Service
Contact a qualified service provider when:
- Exposure problems occur across multiple patients and examinations.
- Identical techniques produce inconsistent results.
- Exposure indicators shift unexpectedly.
- One detector or computed radiography plate behaves differently from the others.
- Images show recurring lines, dead pixels, uneven density, artifacts, or unusual processing.
- The generator, detector, plate reader, workstation, or software was recently repaired or replaced.
- The technique chart no longer produces consistent diagnostic results.
A persistent problem should not be “fixed” by continuing to lower or raise exposure settings without determining the underlying cause. Doing so may hide an equipment fault and create new image-quality problems.
A Simple Pre-Exposure Checklist
Before making the exposure, confirm:
☐ Correct patient and examination
☐ Correct anatomical region and projection
☐ Patient measured in the exposure position
☐ Correct technique-chart setting selected
☐ Grid or nongrid technique confirmed
☐ Detector and source-to-image distance confirmed
☐ Patient positioned and immobilized
☐ Beam centered and collimated
☐ Personnel protected and positioned according to clinic policy
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an Overexposed X-Ray Always Black?
No. An overexposed film radiograph normally appears too dark. An overexposed digital radiograph may appear normal because the computer adjusts its displayed brightness and contrast.
Can Image-Processing Software Correct Overexposure?
Software can change how digital image data are displayed, but it cannot reduce the radiation already delivered to the patient. It also cannot recover data lost through detector saturation or clipping.
Should We Lower kVp or mAs When an Image Is Overexposed?
Not automatically. First confirm that the measurement, examination selection, grid status, distance, collimation, detector, processing, and exposure indicator are correct. Then adjust the appropriate factor according to the clinic’s validated technique chart and equipment instructions.
Does the Exposure Index Equal Patient Dose?
No. The exposure index primarily reflects exposure at the detector. Patient dose is also affected by patient size, beam quality, filtration, collimation, projection, distance, and other technical factors.
Why Do Exposure-Index Values Vary Between Machines?
Different manufacturers and older systems may use different calculations, names, and numerical scales. Veterinary teams should use the documentation and target ranges supplied for their specific equipment.
The Bottom Line
Preventing overexposed radiographs requires more than looking for an image that appears too dark. That approach may work with traditional film, but it is unreliable with modern digital systems.
Veterinary teams should evaluate diagnostic quality, exposure indicators, patient measurements, technique-chart accuracy, positioning, collimation, grid use, equipment performance, and repeat trends together.
A consistent quality-assurance program helps clinics obtain diagnostic images the first time, reduce unnecessary retakes, protect patients and staff, and make better use of their imaging equipment.
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Call 877-545-1202 Is It Time to Upgrade Your X-Ray? Click HereThis article provides general educational information and is not a substitute for the instructions supplied by your equipment manufacturer, applicable radiation-safety regulations, or advice from a qualified veterinary radiologist, medical physicist, radiation-safety professional, or service engineer.
What is an Overexposed X-Ray and What do they Look Like?
With almost all types of veterinary diagnostic imagery, the effort is in the prep work!
That means getting the correct measurements, exposure settings, and positioning off the bat leads to the best results.
In a previous blog, we discussed why we get underexposed X-rays and how to identify them.
However, it’s easy to overcompensate when adjusting exposure settings and get the opposite effect: overexposed X-rays.
With proper knowledge, practice, and technique, getting a well-balanced exposure rate is simple!
What is an Overexposed X-Ray?
Overexposed X-rays are a result of X-ray settings being too high (using an increased kVp and mAs). This causes too much energy build up in the primary beam.
With excessive energy build-up, the patient absorbs little energy, and an overdose of radiation is absorbed into the detector. A detector starts white and darkens as it’s met with radiation.
As a result, the image will be overexposed (or too dark) to be considered diagnostic. The X-rays are essentially “burning” the plate, causing significant internal structures and tissues to appear less visible.
As you can imagine, this inhibits a clear interpretation by the Veterinarian or Veterinary Specialist and delays a proper diagnosis and treatment.
How Will I Know the X-Ray is Overexposed?
It’s not hard to identify veterinary X-rays that have been overexposed.
Here are a few characteristics that will stand out:
· Image has a darkened appearance
· Poor visibility of internal structures
· Blur or distortion
· Scatter Radiation (reduces image contrast and clarity as a result of the x-ray changing direction –“scattering” - when it meets the patient)
To be appropriately interpreted by a Veterinarian or Veterinary Specialist, you’ll likely need a retake to visualize lesions, growths, or other abnormalities clearly.
Why is My X-ray overexposed?
Capturing an overexposed image is frustrating. Now that we’re pretty clear on what they look like, let’s talk about what may have caused it:
· Incorrect kVp or mAs settings (if settings appear correct, consider re-measuring to confirm measurements were accurate)
· Forgetting to move the x-ray tube head to the correct position (if it’s too close to the cassette, it’s easy to cause overexposure)
· Possible technical error
If I Need a Retake, How Can I Avoid Another Overexposed X-Ray?
Here are a few easy-to-follow tips to avoid overexposed X-rays with your next image:
1. Correctly measure the anatomical part of the patient you’ll be radiographing using a set of calipers (remember, it’s best to measure in the position they’ll be in for the image)
2. Confirm X-ray settings using your veterinary X-ray technique chart
3. Ensure the x-ray tube head is in the correct position (raised if the plate is on the tabletop or lowered if it’s in the bucky tray)
4. Don’t forget to collimate (helps to reduce scatter radiation for a better image quality)
For best results, use computed radiography software tools to reduce artifacts, distortion, and scatter radiation (not to mention hassle-free transfers of DICOM or JPEG images for diagnostic review).
The Quick Take Away
If we think of X-ray exposure like a toaster, when the toaster produces too much energy, we’re left with toast that’s burnt to a crisp.
Just as we’d need to decrease the time on our toaster for a better breakfast, the x-ray settings will need to be reduced on the machine for a balanced diagnostic image.
We want to aim for images that have:
· Sharpness (in focus, clear, and distinct)
· Visual characteristics of density and contrast (adequate representation of tissue density)
· Clear visualization of internal structures
· No distortion or artifacts (no patient motion, technical errors, unnecessary objects, etc.)
Avoid the hassle of retakes by putting effort into the prep work—accurate measuring, exposure settings, and positioning—and getting back to what truly matters to you and your patients.
The Impact of Over-Exposed X-Rays in Animal Radiography
What is an over-exposed X-ray and how can I avoid that in my animal clinic's X-ray room?
X-rays are a vital and commonly used tool in every animal hospital. However, they are only of use if the X-ray image is of good diagnostic quality. If radiographs are of poor quality, for example through inadequate positioning or incorrect exposure, this can lead to errors in interpretation.
If X-rays taken in the animal clinic are over-exposed, this can be very frustrating to veterinary staff. The radiographs may need to be repeated, leading to increased exposure to X-ray beams for patients, and higher time and cost penalties.
X-rays being over or under-exposed is a common problem in veterinary clinics. In this blog, we’ll go through over-exposure, why it happens, and how to help. To learn more about the opposite problem, under-exposure, check out our blog here.
What is exposure?
Exposure is the term used to describe the number of X-ray photons present at a certain point. Over-exposure to animal X-rays happens when the concentration of these photons is too high, leading to excessive darkening of the film.
Four radiographic factors affect exposure:
Kilovoltage (kV) – the voltage applied across the X-ray generator, affecting the energy of the X-ray, and therefore the penetrating power of the beam
Milliampere (mA) – the current applied to the cathode to generate X-rays, affecting the number of electrons and thus of X-ray photons
Exposure time
The distance from the X-ray source to the patient (FFD – focus-film distance) – as distance decreases, the intensity of the beam increases.
The exposure of the X-ray is determined by changes to any of these four factors.
Why does an over-exposed X-ray matter?
A radiograph should be properly exposed so that all structures in the targeted anatomical region can be visualized.
In a film-based radiograph, over-exposure makes an X-ray very dark, making it hard to interpret but easy to detect. Using an over-exposed X-ray as a diagnostic tool may lead to subtle lesions being missed, or to artifacts being seen.
However, in a DR system, there are very few signs of over-exposure, as the computer will automatically filter the image and return an “optimal” radiograph.
If the exposure is massively excessive, however, there may be other artifacts generated, in particular, blocky or geometric shapes superimposed over the image.
This is more apparent in some systems than others but seems to be due to the local vs regional adjustment patterns generated by the filtering software.
So, an over-exposed DR radiograph rarely leads to a non-diagnostic image. However, over-exposure is also a safety concern, with animals and potentially staff being exposed to unnecessary levels of X-rays.
Correctly exposed X-rays are important for accurate diagnosis but above all for safety in the animal hospital.
"Exposure Creep” is a common problem with digital radiography, and with our increasing knowledge of the health concerns associated with cumulative X-ray exposure, something that all clinicians need to work to minimize – even in jurisdictions with relatively relaxed radiation safety limits, such as the USA.
Why is my X-ray over-exposed?
It can be frustrating to have an over-exposed X-ray, and difficult to determine the underlying problem. Here are some common reasons for over-exposure in animal radiography.
A common issue when struggling with exposure is non-deliberate changes in the distance between the film and the X-ray generator.
A small change in distance can have a huge effect on exposure, as the relationship between FFD and exposure is an exponential function.
If your X-ray is overexposed, the FFD may be too small, and require adjustment – or a corresponding change to the mAs.
In animal hospitals, moveable and adjustable X-ray tables can make changes to the FFD a common problem.
Technical errors in the choice of kV and mA levels are also common. If the kV setting is too high, the X-rays will have more power and penetrate straight through the patient, leaving a film that is overexposed and too dark to interpret.
Over-exposed X-rays require a decrease in the kV level and mAs. The omission of a grid when one is needed – or accounted for in the exposure chart - can also affect exposure.
Tips for avoiding an over-exposed X-ray
Interpreting X-rays requires films of high quality, excellent positioning, and good exposure.
A simple response to avoid over-exposed radiographs in the animal clinic is to ensure the kV and mA settings are correct. Over-exposure implies the settings are too high.
The use of an exposure chart can be invaluable to ensure accurate levels. A comprehensive chart, with suggested settings for all different species and sizes of animals, as well as differing anatomical locations, can help avoid mistakes when calculating appropriate settings.
It should be remembered that X-rays need to be of good quality and exposed correctly for the anatomical area. Different bodily areas have varying needs for good interpretation.
For example, the thorax has both soft tissue and bone which all need to be detailed whereas the abdomen contains high volumes of soft tissue structures, requiring excellent contrast.
Understanding this principle may lead to small adjustments to kV and mAs to maximize the quality of the X-ray.
Most DR systems are now equipped with Exposure Indicators, and these are invaluable for detecting higher-than-optimal exposures.
Ensure that you are familiar with how this works on your system and that you know how to interpret the numbers generated. LINK?
Remember to keep X-ray machines well-maintained and regularly serviced, for optimal performance.
Summing up
One of the reasons for observing overexposed X-rays is the failure to make necessary adjustments to the imaging technique when transitioning from film to CR to DR, or between different DR panels.
X-rays are a regularly used tool in animal clinics and have great diagnostic value. However, accurate interpretation relies upon good-quality X-rays.
Over-exposure rarely leads to a non-diagnostic radiograph but does lead to excessive radiation exposure to the patient and, potentially, staff.
Over-exposure can be caused by changes to the exposure factors: kV, mA, time, and distance.
Using accurate settings for the size, species, and anatomical location of the desired image, and knowing how to interpret the Exposure Indicator, are essential for optimal exposure and good quality X-ray.
Many instances of under or overexposure can be attributed to doctors failing to measure animals or consult the technique chart.
The DynaVue Duo x-ray machine for veterinarians automatically adjusts the exposure based on animal size, optimizing imaging and reducing radiation exposure.
This feature saves time, minimizes errors, and enhances diagnostic quality, improving veterinary care.
References
Mattoon, J. (2006) ‘Digital Radiography’ Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 19(03) pp.123-132
Kirberger, R. (2005) ‘Radiograph quality evaluation for exposure variables – a review’ Veterinary Radiology and Ultrasound 40(3) pp.220-226
What Is an Over-Exposed X-Ray, and How to Avoid Over-Exposed
An over-exposed radiograph is one in which the X-ray beam was too powerful, resulting in an excessively dark or “burnt-out” image.
Unfortunately, this can make it difficult or impossible to interpret the radiograph, which can lead to frustrating retakes or even non-diagnostic images.
Here are some important things to know about over-exposed X-rays and how to avoid them…
Why Are Over-Exposed Radiographs a Bad Thing?
Radiographs are about balance. A veterinary professional may feel like Goldilocks—wanting to avoid too few or too many X-rays passing through the patient and onto the film or sensor/plate, and instead, find the x-ray beam strength that is “just right.”
What happens otherwise?
Too few X-rays (or a beam that’s weaker) means an under-exposed (or whited out) image. Too many X-rays (a beam that’s too powerful) result in an over-exposed image.
In general, an over-exposed image may be more useful than an under-exposed image when working with physical X-ray films, thanks to the availability of hot light, an extra bright light that may allow a veterinarian to see more details when viewing an over-exposed film.
However, even a hot light can’t save a very over-exposed image. It’s always best to go for high-quality radiographs.
High-quality X-ray images are more diagnostic because they allow for the visualization of fine details that could otherwise be missed. For example, pulmonary vessels and small nodules might not be visible in an over-exposed radiograph.
How to Avoid Over-Exposed Radiographs
Improving the quality of radiographs involves troubleshooting. By figuring out WHY there is an issue with image quality, a veterinarian can most effectively improve their radiographs.
Here are some possible causes of over-exposed X-rays…
Machine errors. Sometimes, a generator, developer, or digital plate needs to be serviced in order to correct the problem.
An equipment issue may be more likely if ALL patient radiographs are showing the same issue, such as an exposure error. Keeping up with routine x-ray equipment maintenance can help to prevent this type of problem.
Technical errors. This is less common with digital machines that have preprogrammed settings.
However, it’s still possible, especially if the wrong part of the body has been selected for the study. Or, maybe the clinic has different sensors/plates with slightly differing sensitivities to the same exposure settings.
For film machines, errors in technique are common. Technique charts can help vet professionals select the best settings and reduce time-consuming retakes.
Either way, to obtain a lighter image, lower the kVp or mAs for the shot.
Operator errors. For film and digital studies alike, errors in measuring the patient are common. For example, when performing an abdominal or thoracic study, remember to take the patient’s measurement while they are lying on their side—this number could be surprisingly different from the patient’s width while standing up.
Also, the X-ray operator should remember to collimate the field. This improves the detail and reduces scatter radiation that could otherwise darken an image.
Training and practice can help veterinary team members master these protocols and obtain high-quality images.
Also, digital radiographs can help remove some potential human error (such as manually setting the technique) by automating much of the process.
Getting the exposure right the first time will help the whole team save time, reduce stress for patients and staff by avoiding frustrating retakes, and produce images of a higher diagnostic quality for excellent patient care.
Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM