What is the impact of increased collimation on image quality?

Increased collimation positively impacts image quality primarily by improving image contrast. Collimation refers to the process of restricting the size and shape of the x-ray beam to the area of interest. This limitation helps to reduce the amount of scatter radiation that can occur, as scatter contributes to a loss in contrast in the image.

When collimation is utilized effectively, it minimizes the amount of unwanted radiation that exposes adjacent tissues or areas outside of the target, which would otherwise result in a greyer image with less defined boundaries. By ensuring that only the necessary area is irradiated, the contrast between different tissues within the region of interest is heightened, allowing for clearer differentiation and enhancing the overall diagnostic quality of the image.

Additionally, with reduced scatter radiation, there is less fog or background noise in the image, further contributing to improved clarity and detail. Thus, effective collimation is a critical practice in radiographic imaging that directly correlates to enhanced image contrast and quality.