What is the attenuation standard for tabletop distances at 100 kVp?

The attenuation standard for tabletop distances at 100 kVp specifies the minimum amount of filtration required to adequately reduce the beam intensity, thereby providing a safer and more effective imaging process. At 100 kVp, the standard is set at less than 1 mm of aluminum (Al) for the filtration needed when using diagnostic x-ray equipment.

This value is important for a couple of reasons. First, filtration helps to decrease the patient’s exposure to low-energy photons that do not contribute to the image quality but increase the dose. Thus, having less than 1 mm Al ensures that while beam quality is sufficient for imaging purposes, the patient’s exposure is minimized.

Filtration standards are developed based on the nature of the x-ray beam and its interactions with various tissues, ensuring that the quality of imaging meets diagnostic needs while prioritizing patient safety. Therefore, when considering the attenuation standard at 100 kVp, the requirement of less than 1 mm Al aligns with both effectiveness in imaging and safety protocols for patients undergoing fluoroscopic procedures.