Why is the use of a higher kilovoltage peak recommended? (select three)

The recommendation for using a higher kilovoltage peak (kVp) in radiographic imaging is based on several important factors related to the quality of the image and patient safety.

Choosing a higher kVp allows for a reduction in the milliampere-seconds (mAs), which is the product of the current and time used to produce the X-ray. When kVp is increased, the X-ray beam becomes more penetrating, meaning that it can traverse denser tissues more effectively. Consequently, the overall exposure time can be shortened, leading to lower mAs values. This is particularly advantageous in terms of reducing patient radiation exposure since lower mAs typically results in decreased dose.

In addition to patient safety, increased kVp enhances the ability to penetrate through thicker body parts, resulting in clearer images of underlying structures and potentially improving the contrast of the images, particularly in situations where there is a significant difference in tissue densities.

In summary, employing a higher kVp contributes not only to the reduction of mAs but also aids in achieving better penetration and minimizing unnecessary patient exposure during imaging procedures. This practice is widely endorsed because it balances the need for high-quality diagnostic images with the imperative to minimize radiation risk.