The total milliampere-seconds (mAs) is calculated from which two exposure factors?

The total milliampere-seconds (mAs) is a product of tube current and exposure time. This measurement indicates the amount of radiation produced during an x-ray exposure and is critical for determining the overall dose of radiation delivered to the patient. The tube current is measured in milliamperes (mA) and represents the flow of electric current through the x-ray tube, while the exposure time is measured in seconds. By multiplying these two factors (mA × seconds), you get the mAs value, which is essential for achieving the desired image quality and minimizing patient exposure to radiation.

In contrast, other options involve different factors that do not directly contribute to calculating mAs. Tube potential refers to the voltage applied across the x-ray tube, which influences the energy of the x-rays produced but does not affect the mAs calculation. Similarly, filament current is related to the heating of the cathode to produce electrons, but it is not involved in determining the total mAs.