What is the purpose of filtration in radiography?

Filtration in radiography serves primarily to reduce patient exposure to unnecessary radiation. This is achieved by removing low-energy (soft) X-rays from the beam before it reaches the patient. Low-energy X-rays contribute to dose without providing useful diagnostic information; they are more likely to be absorbed by the patient rather than penetrated through the tissues to create a clear image. By filtering out these less useful X-rays, the overall quality of the imaging process improves while simultaneously decreasing the amount of radiation the patient receives, which is a crucial aspect of radiation protection.

In addition to lowering patient exposure, filtration can also help improve the overall quality of the images produced by allowing higher-energy X-rays, which are more effective at penetrating tissues and contributing to image formation, to pass through. This technique not only enhances safety for patients but also contributes to better diagnostic outcomes.