What is the effect of higher mA settings on image quality?

Choosing higher milliampere (mA) settings during an X-ray exposure directly affects the image quality by increasing the density of the resulting image. When mA is increased, it allows for a greater quantity of X-rays to be produced in a given time frame. This increase in radiation output results in a darker image on the X-ray film or detector, which is referred to as increased density.

Higher mA values mean more photons are available to interact with the image receptor, contributing to enhanced visibility of anatomical structures by making areas of interest more pronounced. This can be particularly important in situations where subtle details need to be captured, as a denser image can provide better contrast between different tissues.

While higher mA settings can reduce the exposure time needed to obtain an adequate image, the primary impact in terms of image quality pertains to density. It is important to balance mA with exposure time to avoid exceeding the necessary radiation dose while still achieving a suitable image contrast and quality.