Authors : Salihu A. Yusuf; Abdulmumini K. Yusuf; Halilu, S. Daniel

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 1 - January

---

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/23nh5fxa

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/d46y9xwc

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jan081

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

---

Abstract : This study investigates how tube current (mA) and exposure time (s) influence radiographic image quality, using a three-step aluminum step wedge at a constant tube voltage of 60 kV. We measured radiographic densities across varying exposure parameters to evaluate contrast and resolution. Our findings show that increasing tube current and exposure time improves image density and contrast. However, excessive exposure can lead to saturation. We observed optimal image quality at mAs values between 10 and 15.

Keywords : Step Wedge, Image Quality, Optical Density, Tube Current, Exposure Time, mAs.

References :

1. Bushong, S. C. (2020). Radiologic Science for Technologists: Physics, Biology, and Protection (11th ed.). Elsevier.
2. Chesney, D. N., & Chesney, M. (2019). Radiographic imaging: A guide for producing quality radiographs. Springer.
3. Fauber, T. L. (2020). Radiographic imaging and exposure (6th ed.). Elsevier.
4. IAEA. (2014). Radiation Protection and Safety of Radiation Sources: International Basic Safety Standards. Vienna: International Atomic Energy Agency.
5. International Atomic Energy Agency. (2014). Radiation protection and safety of radiation sources: International basic safety standards. IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GSR Part 3. Vienna: International Atomic Energy Agency. https://www.iaea.org/publications/8930
6. Martin, C. J., & Sutton, D. G. (2015). Practical use of step wedges in diagnostic radiology. British Journal of Radiology, 88(1051), 20150056.
7. Martin, C. J., & Sutton, D. G. (2015). Practical use of step wedges in diagnostic radiology. British Journal of Radiology, 88(1051), 20150056. https://doi.org/10.1259/bjr.20150056
8. Nassiri, D. K., & Hill, C. R. (1986). The use of step wedges for evaluating image quality in medical X-ray systems. Physics in Medicine and Biology, 31(8), 985–992. https://doi.org/10.1088/0031-9155/31/8/005
9. Seeram, E. (2019). Radiation Protection in Diagnostic X-ray Imaging (2nd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
10. Seeram, E. (2019). Radiation protection in diagnostic X-ray imaging (2nd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
11. Thayalan, K. (2018). Textbook of radiographic positioning and related anatomy. Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers.
12. Wall, B. F., Hart, D., & Shrimpton, P. C. (2011). The historical development of X-ray exposure parameters: Implications for patient dose optimisation. British Institute of Radiology.