Radiographic Unit Output Calculation

How is the total output of a radiographic unit calculated?

What is the formula to determine the total output after an exposure?

Answer:

The total output of a radiographic unit is calculated using the formula: Total Output = Output Intensity x Exposure Time x Current.

In radiology, the total output of a radiographic unit is a crucial parameter to ensure proper imaging techniques. The total output is determined by multiplying the output intensity (measured in milliroentgens per milliampere second or mr/mAs), the exposure time (measured in milliseconds), and the current (measured in milliamperes).

For example, if the output intensity of a radiographic unit is 4.2 mr/mAs, and the exposure time is 200 milliseconds at 300 milliamperes, we can calculate the total output as follows:

Total Output = 4.2 mr/mAs x 200 ms x 300 mA = 252,000 milliroentgens (mr).

Therefore, the total output after a 200-ms exposure at 300 mA is 252,000 milliroentgens (mr). This calculation is essential for determining the radiation dose delivered during diagnostic imaging procedures.