When kilovoltage is increased with appropriate compensation of milliampere-seconds, what is the result?

When kilovoltage is increased, while maintaining appropriate compensation of milliampere-seconds (mAs), the primary result is increased part penetration. Increasing the kilovoltage enhances the quality and energy of the x-ray photons produced, allowing them to pass through denser anatomical structures more effectively. This improved penetration means that more x-rays can pass through the body part being imaged, which is particularly beneficial for thicker or denser areas.

Compensating with mAs ensures that adequate overall exposure to the image receptor is maintained. This balance allows for a clearer image without overexposing the patient, combining appropriate energy levels with sufficient quantity of photons to produce a diagnostic-quality radiograph. In summary, the increase in kilovoltage directly correlates with the ability to penetrate tissues better, which is essential for accurate imaging.