What happens if the x-ray beam is improperly collimated?

Improper collimation of the x-ray beam typically leads to increased patient exposure. Collimation is the process of restricting the x-ray beam to the area of interest, which minimizes the volume of tissue irradiated. When collimation is not done correctly, the x-ray beam may cover a larger area than necessary, exposing more healthy tissue to radiation. This can not only increase the dose of radiation that the patient receives but also increases the risk of radiation-induced effects.

By ensuring proper collimation, the radiation dose to the patient can be reduced significantly, while also enhancing the quality of the radiographic image by decreasing scatter radiation. When the beam is too wide, scattered x-rays can degrade image quality and result in a poorer diagnostic outcome.

In contrast, if the beam is improperly collimated, the principle of radiation protection is compromised, leading to unnecessary exposure and potentially greater risks without any corresponding gain in diagnostic value. Therefore, maintaining correct collimation is essential for both optimizing the quality of the images produced and protecting patient safety.