What does a fixed kVp technique involve in radiography?

A fixed kVp technique in radiography involves setting a specific kilovolt peak (kVp) value for different anatomical regions or parts of the body, while varying the milliampere-seconds (mAs) to achieve the desired image density and contrast. This approach is beneficial because it allows for consistent penetration quality through various tissue densities, as the kVp determines the energy of the X-ray beam, influencing its ability to penetrate different materials. By adjusting the mAs, which controls the quantity of radiation, the radiographer can optimize the image qualities without compromising the kVp settings designed for specific clinical scenarios.

This method is particularly advantageous in reducing patient exposure to radiation because it maintains a higher degree of uniformity in the beam quality. It contrasts with techniques that might involve significant variability in kVp values, which can complicate the imaging process and could lead to inconsistent image quality or increased patient exposure.