What does increasing the kVp generally do to the quality of a fluoroscopic image?

Increasing the kilovolt peak (kVp) in fluoroscopy enhances the quality of the image primarily by improving its contrast. Higher kVp settings increase the energy of the X-rays produced, allowing them to penetrate through denser structures within the body more effectively. This results in a broader range of shades being captured on the fluoroscopic image, which translates to increased contrast.

With improved contrast, the differences between various tissues, such as soft tissues versus bones, become more distinguishable, allowing for better diagnostic interpretation. This is particularly important in medical imaging, where the ability to detect subtle variations in tissue density is crucial for accurate diagnoses.

While it is beneficial to increase kVp for contrast, this can also lead to other factors such as a reduction in overall patient dose and changes in image noise. However, the most direct effect of increasing kVp is the enhancement of image contrast, making the correct response aligned with the purpose and function of kVp adjustments in fluoroscopic imaging.