In digital imaging, how is receptor exposure primarily controlled?

In digital imaging, receptor exposure is primarily controlled by the selection of appropriate exposure factors, with the most significant factor being the amount of radiation the receptor (such as a digital detector) receives. While changing exposure time does affect the amount of radiation hitting the receptor, it is not the primary mechanism for controlling receptor exposure in digital systems.

Adjusting window level is directly relevant, as it pertains to how the digital image is displayed after acquisition. The window level adjustment changes the brightness of the image, but it does not change the actual exposure of the receptor; it merely alters the perceived image for interpretation. Therefore, the effective method for controlling receptor exposure lies in the image acquisition parameters, not in display adjustments.

Patient positioning and grid usage also influence image quality and the distribution of radiation dose but are not direct controls of receptor exposure. Proper positioning is essential to obtain a diagnostic image and reduce unnecessary radiation, while grid usage can help reduce scatter radiation in certain situations, but neither option serves as the primary control for receptor exposure compared to exposure factors themselves.

Ultimately, while display parameters like window levels modify the appearance of an image, they do not alter the receptor exposure at the time of image acquisition, making the choice of exposure factors the correct approach to controlling receptor