CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What type of image contrast improvement does the Air Gap technique provide?

1. Lower contrast images

2. Higher contrast images

3. No change in contrast

4. Variable contrast images

The correct answer is: Higher contrast images

The Air Gap technique is a method employed in radiography to enhance image contrast. It involves creating a space between the patient and the imaging receptor, allowing scattered radiation to diverge and reduce the amount of scattered rays reaching the detector. This results in a clearer image with improved detail and overall contrast. By implementing this technique, the amount of scatter that contributes to image fogging is reduced, which allows for greater differentiation between structures of varying densities on the image. Consequently, the visibility of anatomical details is enhanced, producing higher contrast images. This technique is particularly effective in situations where contrast medium is used or in specific imaging scenarios such as when evaluating soft tissues or certain pathologies. Higher contrast images facilitate better diagnostic accuracy by allowing radiologists to differentiate between structures or identify abnormalities more effectively.