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 · While looking at a radiograph define image (radiographic) 
contrast and describe 
how it is expressed. 
 
· Define "subject contrast" and describe how it is expressed. 
 
· Name the factors that determine the amount of subject contrast coming from a 
patient's body. 
 
· While looking at a radiograph distinguish between "object" and "area" 
contrast. 
 
· Discuss the physical characteristics of an object within the body that 
determine its 
contrast. 
 
· Explain why barium and iodine are particularly useful as contrast agents in 
radiology. 
 
· Explain why air is an effective contrast agent even though its effective 
atomic 
number (6.65) is near that of soft tissue (7.42). 
 
· Discuss the general relation of image contrast to KV. 
 
· Identify clinical procedures in which low KV values are used and explain why. 
 
· Describe the major disadvantages in using low KV values. 
 
· Identify the anode and filter materials used for mammography and explain why. 
 
· Sketch a typical x-ray spectrum used for mammography and explain how it is 
affected by anode material, filter material, and KV values. 
 
· State the KV values which will generally give maximum contrast for iodine and 
barium and explain why. 
 
· Describe the relationship of K-edge to contrast. 
 
· Identify clinical procedures in which high KV values are used and explain why. 
 
· State appropriate KV values for each general type of radiographic examination. 
 
· Describe the effects of large area contrast on object visibility. 
 
· Describe the steps taken to reduce large area contrast in mammography. 
 
· Describe the steps taken to reduce large area contrast in chest radiography. 
  
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