[CLASSROOM} FLUOROSCOPY SCENARIOS AND EQUATIONS

1. While using an image intensifier with a 10/7/5 diameters:

a. Which size is best for contrast resolution and why?
Large field size (10) is the best for contrast resolution
because you can use lower kVp, which will increase
brightness levels.

b. Which one is best for spatial resolution and why?

Small field size (5) is the best for spatial resolution because
you need a higher kVp to magnify it.

c. Which one has the largest field of view?

A larger diameter (10) has the largest field of view because
you need less technical factors.

2. Describe minification gain and the relationship with increasing

input phosphor size, kVp, mA, output phosphor size, and tube
voltage.
a. Minification gain takes the same number of electrons that are
emitted at the photocathode (large diameter size) and uses them
to create the image at the smaller output screen.

3. Describe what occurs when the image intensifier is operated in

the magnification mode as it relates to contrast resolution,
spatial resolution, patient dose, the relationship of the focal
point between the input phosphor and the output phosphor.
a. If your input screen is smaller, then there is:
i. Lower contrast resolution
ii. Higher spatial resolution
iii. Higher patient does
iv. Focal point is closer to the input phosphor

Equations used in fluoroscopy:

Flux gain = number of output light photons
Number of input x-ray photons

Brightness gain = Minification gain x Flux gain or use the conversion

factor equation.

Minification on gain = (dinput)2

(doutput)2

Conversion factor = output phosphor illumination (cd/m2)

 [CLASSROOM} FLUOROSCOPY SCENARIOS AND EQUATIONS

Input exposure rate (mGya/sec.)

Magnification factor = mode 2 in multifield Image Intensifier

Mode 1

New ESD = Original input screen size X Entrance Skin Dose

New input screen size

4. What is the brightness gain for a 17- cm image intensifier tube with a
flux gain of 120 and a 2.5 cm output phosphor
( d input )2
Minification gain=
(d output )2

2
(17)
Minification gain=
(2.5)2

289
Minification gain=
6.25

Minification gain=46.24

Brightness gain=minification gain X Flux gain

Brightness gain=46.24 X 120

Brightness gain=5,549

5. A 23/15/10 image intensifier is used in the 10cm mode. How much

higher is the patient dose using this mode compared to using the 23
cm mode?

Principal: when using the magnification mode, the minification gain is

reduced, so fewer photoelectrons are hitting the output phosphor. This
creates a dimmer image. To compensate for the magnification mode
(maintain the same amount of brightness), the tube mA is increased.
The increase in dose to the patient when changing from 23 cm to 10
cm is equal to the ratio of the input phosphor diameter to the
diameter used in magnification mode.
 [CLASSROOM} FLUOROSCOPY SCENARIOS AND EQUATIONS

( d input )2
Minification gain=
(d output )2

2
(23)
Minification gain=
(10)2

529
Minification gain=
100

Minification gain=5.29

6. What is the change is dose (how much higher) when switching from a
23cm FOV to a 17cm FOV?
Use same principal as in question 5

( d input )2
Minification gain=
(d output )2

2
(23)
Minification gain=
(17)2

529
Minification gain=
289

Minification gain=1.83

7. A photofluoroscopic image is obtaining using the technical factors of 80

kVp in the 15cm mode without a grid. He measured entrance skin dose
(ESD) is 0.5 mGyt. What ESD would be expected if the 25cm mode were
used?

New input screen X ESD=New ESD

Original input screen

15 cm
X 0.5 mGy t=New ESD
25 cm
 [CLASSROOM} FLUOROSCOPY SCENARIOS AND EQUATIONS

0.6 X 0.5 mGy t =0.3 mGy t

8. A 23cm image intensifier has an output phosphor size of 2.5cm and a

flux gain of 75. What is the brightness gain?

( d input )2
Minification gain=
(d output )2

2
(23)
Minification gain=
(2.5)2

529
Minification gain=
6.25

Minification gain=84.64

Brightness gain=minification gain X Flux gain

Brightness gain=84.64 X 75

Brightness gain=6,348

9. Create a scenario using one of the equations above with the specific
factors required. Be sure to show your work and include the answer.

What is the brightness gain for a 18 cm image intensifier tube with a

flux gain of 130 and a 3.5 cm output phosphor
2
( d input )
Minification gain=
(d output )2

(18)2
Minification gain=
(1 .5)2

324
Minification gain=
2.25
 [CLASSROOM} FLUOROSCOPY SCENARIOS AND EQUATIONS

Minification gain=144

Brightness gain=minification gain X Flux gain

Brightness gain=144 X 13 0

Brightness gain=18,720