Which examination might require the use of 70 kV?

The examination that would typically require the use of 70 kV is the AP abdomen. In radiography, the kilovoltage (kV) setting directly influences the quality and contrast of the images produced. For abdominal imaging, a kV setting around 70 is commonly used, as it provides a good balance between contrast and penetration, which is essential for visualizing abdominal organs without excessive radiation exposure.

This voltage level effectively penetrates the soft tissues and provides sufficient contrast to distinguish between different structures, such as intestines, kidneys, and liver, while limiting patient radiation dose. For instance, a lower kV might not penetrate adequately, leading to insufficient imaging, while a much higher kV could reduce contrast and make it difficult to differentiate between organs.

In contrast, other examinations such as chest radiographs typically require higher kV settings to penetrate the denser structures in the thoracic cavity. Fluoroscopy often operates at variable settings depending on the specific procedure being performed, and a barium swallow examination, which focuses on the esophagus, may also utilize different kV settings based on the characteristics needed for optimal visualization of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Thus, the appropriate use of 70 kV for an AP abdomen is aligned with best practices