CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

True or False: Increasing kVp results in a higher level of image contrast.

1. True

2. False

3. Only under specific conditions

4. Depends on other factors

The correct answer is: False

Increasing kilovoltage peak (kVp) in radiography generally results in a decrease in image contrast rather than an increase. This is because higher kVp settings produce more penetrating X-rays that can pass through tissues more effectively, which leads to a more uniform exposure of the film or detector. Consequently, the differences in tissue densities become less pronounced, resulting in a lower level of contrast in the final image. While there may be specific conditions where higher kVp can be compensated for by other factors, such as adjusting the mAs or using specialized contrast media, the general principle holds true that as kVp increases, the contrast typically decreases. Therefore, stating that increasing kVp results in a higher level of image contrast is incorrect.