In general, what effect does increasing the tube current (mA) have on an x-ray image?

Increasing the tube current, measured in milliamperes (mA), directly affects the quantity of x-ray photons produced during an exposure. As the tube current increases, more electrons are emitted from the cathode and more x-ray photons are generated at the anode, resulting in a greater number of x-rays reaching the detector or film. This increase in x-ray photon quantity enhances the overall density of the image.

A higher density indicates that the image will appear darker, therefore providing better visibility of anatomical structures, assuming other factors remain constant. This relationship is crucial for ensuring adequate exposure and optimal visualization of the area being imaged.

While increasing the tube current can enhance image density, it does not intrinsically affect image contrast, as this is more influenced by the quality of the x-ray beam and the composition of the body part being imaged. Additionally, increasing tube current will generally lead to an increase in patient dose, not a reduction. Therefore, it’s important to balance mA settings with exposure time and other factors to achieve the best possible image quality while minimizing radiation exposure.