When using a higher mA setting, what must be adjusted to maintain the same receptor exposure?

When utilizing a higher milliampere (mA) setting in radiography, it is essential to adjust the exposure time in order to maintain consistent receptor exposure. Increasing the mA setting essentially raises the amount of x-ray photons produced in a given time period, which leads to a greater quantity of radiation reaching the imaging receptor. This increase can cause an overexposure if the exposure time remains unchanged.

To counteract this, if the mA is increased, the exposure time should be decreased correspondingly. This adjustment ensures that the total amount of radiation reaching the image receptor remains equivalent to what it would have been at the lower mA setting, thereby preserving the same level of exposure on the receptor. This relationship between mA and exposure time is a basic principle of radiographic technique and is vital for optimizing image quality while minimizing patient dose.