What does a density adjustment of +1 indicate?

A density adjustment of +1 indicates an increased density from the norm, meaning that the film or digital image is denser than the standard or baseline exposure. In radiology, density refers to the degree of blackening on a radiographic image, which is influenced by factors such as the amount of radiation that reaches the image receptor.

When a density adjustment is made, a positive value suggests that more radiation has been allowed to reach the receptor, or that the exposure settings have been modified to enhance the image's density. This can be beneficial for visualizing certain structures that may otherwise be difficult to see due to inadequate contrast or exposure.

Understanding this adjustment is crucial for radiologists and technologists, as it directly impacts the diagnostic quality of imaging studies. Adjustments such as this play an essential role in achieving optimal imaging conditions tailored to specific clinical scenarios.