What is the result of increasing the filtration from 3.0 mm to 3.5 mm on an x-ray machine?

Increasing the filtration from 3.0 mm to 3.5 mm on an x-ray machine results in decreased receptor exposure. Filtration is the process of removing low-energy x-rays from the primary beam, which are less likely to contribute to image formation but can significantly increase the patient's skin dose.

When filtration is increased, it primarily affects the quality of the x-ray beam, resulting in a higher average photon energy. While this increases the penetrating power of the beam and reduces patient exposure, it simultaneously reduces the overall quantity of photons reaching the receptor that contribute to image formation. The key effect of higher filtration is that it prioritizes the energy of the x-ray beam while limiting unnecessary radiation exposure, which ultimately leads to a decrease in receptor exposure. This is crucial for maintaining image quality while ensuring patient safety.