What is a disadvantage of using high kVp techniques?

Using high kilovolt peak (kVp) techniques in radiography is associated with several important characteristics that can impact image quality and patient exposure. The correct answer points to the fact that high kVp techniques tend to produce more scatter radiation.

When higher kVp settings are used, the primary beam of X-rays becomes more penetrating. As a result, when the beam interacts with the tissues of the body, more X-rays can pass through and reach the image receptor, leading to an increase in the amount of scatter radiation produced. This is because high-energy photons are more likely to interact with matter via Compton scattering, which contributes to the overall radiation dose received by the patient and can degrade the quality of the diagnostic image.

In contrast, although other aspects like increased exposure to the patient and reduced image contrast might seem relevant, these are not the most pronounced disadvantages associated with high kVp techniques. With high kVp, there is indeed less image contrast, but this is a natural outcome of the increased average energy of the beam. Therefore, while scatter is a significant concern when using high kVp due to its implications for image quality and potential impact on patient safety, the question focuses specifically on the increase in scatter radiation as a direct disadvantage of employing these techniques