Quinnipiac University Diagnostic Imaging

RS 240L
Lab #6
SID and Density
Name: Karen Finn
Objective: To observe the changes in density at different SIDs and use the density
maintenance formula to manipulate mAs in order to maintain density.
Equipment Used
The equipment that was used during this lab was the portable x-ray, an abdomen
phantom, a 14 by 17 Konica CR plate (400 RSI image receptor), and the dark room,
which included the processor with the feed tray.
Procedure:
The first step in this lab was to center the x-ray tube and place the abdomen phantom on
the table centering to the Bucky. Next the SID was set to 40 and the central ray was
directed between L2 and L3 on the lumbar spine. The sides were collimated then the kVp
was set to 68 and the mAs was set to 20. The film was exposed and processed and
marked with the label number 1. Next for radiograph number 2, the SID was increased to
72 inches and the density maintenance formula was used to determine the new mAs
needed to maintain density. The kVp remained at 68 and the mAs was changed to 64. For
radiograph number 3, the SID was changed to 56 inches and the density maintenance
formula was used to change the mAs to 39 in order to maintain density. The kVp stayed
the same. The film was exposed and processed and marked with the label number 3.
Results / Discussion / Questions
1. The new mAs determined at 72 inch SID was done by using the density
maintenance formula.
mAs1 = (SID1)2
mAs2 = (SID2)2
Optimal density is achieved at an SID of 40 inches using 20 mAs. The SID must
be increased to 72 inches. What will the new mAs be adjusted to to maintain
optimal density in the radiograph?
mAs1 = 20
mAs2 = X
(SID1)2 = 40
(SID2)2 = 72
72*72= 5184 40*40=1600
1600mAs2 = 103680 (divide both sides by 1600mAs2)
The new mAs is 64

2. Radiograph 1 had good contrast but it was slightly darker than the rest. Radiograph 2
was lighter, had more white but was still in a good range. Radiograph 3, looked more like
the first radiograph where it was a little darker. When you increase SID then there is not
as much distortion because you use more of the perpendicular beam and more gets
penetrated.