Increasing the kVp by 15% or 10 kVp allows for what adjustment in mAs?

Increasing the kilovolt peak (kVp) by approximately 15% or by a specific increment like 10 kVp generally results in a significant increase in the tube's penetration ability. This means that the overall exposure to the detector or image receptor is enhanced.

To maintain optimal image quality while reducing patient dose, the adjustment corresponding to this increase in kVp allows for a reduction in milliamperage-seconds (mAs). Specifically, increasing the kVp allows for the mAs to be halved. This adjustment is based on the 15% rule in radiographic imaging, which suggests that a 15% increase in kVp will achieve the same level of exposure for the image receptor but with the added benefit of reducing the radiation dose to the patient.

Thus, by reducing the mAs by half when the kVp is increased by 15% or an equivalent increase of 10 kVp, the image quality remains adequate while minimizing the dose. This understanding is crucial for practicing radiation safety and optimizing imaging techniques in fluoroscopy and radiographic procedures.