Computed Tomography Technologist Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

The relationship between kilovolt peak (kVp) and dose is classified as non-linear. As kVp increases, the amount of radiation produced increases, which generally leads to a higher radiation dose to the patient. However, the relationship is not a simple linear one; small increases in kVp can lead to more significant increases in dose due to the exponential nature of X-ray beam generation and the interaction of X-rays with matter. Higher kVp results in a higher quantity of X-rays created, which contributes to greater penetration and increased scattering, affecting dose metrics in a more complex manner.

In the context of imaging, understanding this non-linear relationship is crucial for balancing image quality and patient safety, as higher kVp can improve the penetrability of X-rays but also increases the potential dose received. This relationship emphasizes the importance of optimizing technique settings in order to achieve diagnostic-quality images while minimizing patient exposure to radiation.