At 80 kilovolt peak (kVp), what is the maximum intensity of the x-ray beam allowed at the tabletop for each mA of current?

At 80 kilovolt peak (kVp), the maximum intensity of the x-ray beam at the tabletop for each milliampere (mA) of current is standardized to not exceed 2.2 roentgens per minute. This value is derived from safety regulations established by various health and safety organizations to protect both patients and operators from excessive radiation exposure.

Monitoring the intensity of the x-ray beam is crucial in fluoroscopy and radiographic practices because it directly correlates to the amount of radiation a patient receives. Exceeding this limit can lead to unnecessary radiation exposure, increasing the risk of harmful effects. Therefore, the value of 2.2 roentgens per minute serves as a safety guideline to ensure compliance with radiation protection standards while still allowing for adequate imaging quality. This ensures practitioners can perform necessary diagnostic functions without causing harm to patients or themselves.