What is the effect on radiographic image contrast when there is a decrease in beam filtration?

When there is a decrease in beam filtration, the effect on radiographic image contrast is that it will increase. Beam filtration is the process of selectively removing low-energy X-ray photons from the beam before it reaches the patient. These low-energy photons contribute little to the image while increasing patient dose.

When filtration is decreased, more low-energy photons remain in the beam. As a result, the overall beam becomes less effective at differentiating between different types of tissues, which may lead to a more uniform exposure across different densities. This effect causes an increase in image contrast because the high-energy photons that penetrate through the denser tissues will create a more distinct differentiation between high-contrast areas (like bone) and low-contrast areas (like soft tissues).

In summary, a decrease in beam filtration allows more low-energy photons to reach the film, which increases the relative difference in exposure between various tissues, leading to an overall increase in contrast on the radiographic image.