CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What is the standard kVp range used in mammography?

1. 20-25 kVp

2. 23-28 kVp

3. 28-35 kVp

4. 30-40 kVp

The correct answer is: 23-28 kVp

The standard kVp range used in mammography is typically around 23-28 kVp. This range is recommended for optimizing the contrast and visibility of breast tissues on mammograms. Lower kVp settings are employed to increase the contrast of the images, which is essential for differentiating between various types of breast tissues, especially since mammography often deals with soft tissue structures. Using this kVp range aligns with the principle of maximizing the photoelectric effect while minimizing the amount of scatter radiation, which ultimately enhances image quality. It is crucial as it provides adequate penetration for the breast while ensuring sufficient contrast for the early detection of abnormalities. Options that fall outside this range either do not provide the necessary contrast for effective imaging or may not penetrate the breast tissue adequately, which is why those ranges are less commonly used in typical mammography settings.