When repeating a radiograph, what factor must remain unchanged to maintain same receptor exposure?

When a radiograph is repeated, maintaining the same receptor exposure requires careful consideration of the factors involved in the exposure. The correct answer relates to the milliamperes (mA) setting on the x-ray machine.

Milliamperes determine the quantity of radiation produced during the exposure. Specifically, this control adjusts the tube current, affecting the number of photons generated in the x-ray tube. By keeping the milliamperes constant while changing other exposure factors, such as time or distance, the amount of radiation that reaches the receptor remains consistent.

If the mA is altered while attempting to achieve the same receptor exposure, the overall exposure would vary. For example, if the mA is decreased, to maintain equivalent exposure, it would require an increase in exposure time, and vice versa. This principle underlines the importance of maintaining consistent mA when repetitions are necessary.

Maintaining the same grid type affects image contrast but does not directly influence the quantity of radiation reaching the receptor. The exposure time factor also impacts receptor exposure but must be recalibrated if changes are made to other variables. Distance impacts exposure due to the inverse square law, which means that if distance changes, the receptor exposure would also change unless compensatory adjustments are made to