What is the result of using a higher kVp in digital imaging as compared to mAs?

Using a higher kilovoltage peak (kVp) in digital imaging results in greater penetration of the x-ray beam. This is because increasing kVp raises the energy of the x-ray photons, allowing them to penetrate denser tissues more effectively. As a result, a higher kVp can help produce diagnostic-quality images even in thicker or denser areas of the anatomy.

In practice, this translates to a more efficient imaging process, as higher energy photons reduce the likelihood of scattering and improve the overall contrast of the image. Consequently, with greater penetration, the imaging system can capture details from deeper structures without requiring an equivalent increase in milliampere-seconds (mAs), which would result in higher radiation doses to the patient.

The concept of patient dose is relevant here, but increasing kVp does not inherently increase patient dose. In fact, by using higher kVp, it is often possible to use lower mAs settings, which reduces overall radiation exposure. As for detail, higher kVp can affect the appearance of detail in terms of contrast, but it does not necessarily improve spatial resolution. Regarding exposure times, higher kVp allows for shorter exposure times, but that's a secondary effect and not the primary focus when considering the benefit of increased penetration.