What does filtration in radiography primarily do?

Filtration in radiography significantly contributes to the quality and safety of radiographic procedures by primarily functioning to absorb long wavelengths or "soft" radiation. Soft radiation refers to low-energy x-rays that are less penetrating and likely to be absorbed by body tissues rather than contributing useful information for imaging.

By utilizing filters, radiographers can selectively remove these low-energy x-rays before they reach the patient. This process effectively reduces the patient's exposure to unnecessary radiation, enhancing overall safety without compromising image quality. Furthermore, it helps in improving the contrast of the resultant image since the more penetrating high-energy x-rays are allowed to reach the imaging receptor. Thus, filtration plays a critical role in optimizing the balance between diagnostic effectiveness and minimizing radiation harm to the patient.