What is the total filtration required for x-ray machines operating below 70 KVP?

For x-ray machines operating below 70 kVp, a total filtration of 1.5 mm of aluminum equivalent is required. This standard is established to ensure that only the most useful and high-energy x-rays can pass through the patient while minimizing the exposure to low-energy x-rays, which do not contribute to image quality and increase the patient’s radiation dose unnecessarily.

Filtration is a critical aspect of radiology because it helps in reducing patient dose and improving the quality of the x-ray beam. By filtering out the lower energy photons, which are less likely to penetrate tissue, the overall efficacy of the x-ray is improved. The specified amount of filtration is based on guidelines from regulatory bodies that aim to enhance safety and effectiveness in radiographic practices.

When x-ray machines operate with insufficient filtration, it can lead to an increase in patient exposure to radiation without a corresponding benefit in diagnostic quality. Therefore, the regulation of a minimum filtration standard, such as 1.5 mm for machines below 70 kVp, serves to protect patients while ensuring adequate transmission of x-rays for diagnostic purposes.