What happens if the exposure indicator is too low?

When the exposure indicator is too low, it typically signifies that there has been insufficient exposure to radiation during the imaging process. Insufficient exposure often leads to an image that is underexposed, which results in mottled noise, or graininess, within the image. This noise can obscure important diagnostic details, making it difficult for radiologists to interpret the image accurately.

Mottle noise is a result of the lack of adequate photon interaction with the image receptor, leading to areas within the image that appear grainy or unclear. In contrast, an appropriate exposure level optimizes the quality of the image by reducing this noise, allowing for better visualization of anatomical structures.

Other outcomes related to a low exposure indicator include potential improvements in dose safety since lower radiation can indicate reduced exposure to the patient; however, the primary issue with a low exposure indicator is the compromised image quality due to the presence of mottled noise.