How much aluminum filtration is required in an X-ray tube to meet government standards?

In radiography, the use of aluminum filtration is crucial for patient safety and image quality. Government standards dictate that the minimum amount of total filtration for diagnostic X-ray systems operating above 70 kVp must be at least 2.5 mm of aluminum equivalent. This requirement is in place to reduce the patient’s dose of low-energy X-rays, which do not contribute to image formation but do increase the radiation exposure risk.

The goal of this filtration is to enhance the quality of the X-ray beam by filtering out the less penetrating rays, thus allowing only higher-energy, diagnostic X-rays to reach the patient. Meeting this standard ensures that facilities operate within safe and efficient parameters, maintaining compliance with regulations established for medical practices.