When the selected tube voltage is 80 kilovoltage peak (kVp), the actual kVp must be accurate within a range of which of the following?

When the selected tube voltage is 80 kilovoltage peak (kVp), the actual kVp must be accurate within a range of which of the following?

• A. +/- .8 kVp
• B. +/- 4.0 kVp
• C. +/- 1.6 kVp
• D. +/- 8.0 kVp

Answer: (B)

Maintaining accurate tube voltage is essential because kVp influences image contrast and penetration. QC standards set a tolerance for how far the actual kVp can deviate from the indicated value. This tolerance is typically about ±5% of the indicated kVp. For 80 kVp, ±5% equals ±4 kVp, so the acceptable range is 76–84 kVp. The other options are either too strict or too lenient compared with standard acceptance criteria. Therefore, the proper tolerance is ±4.0 kVp.

Maintaining accurate tube voltage is essential because kVp influences image contrast and penetration. QC standards set a tolerance for how far the actual kVp can deviate from the indicated value. This tolerance is typically about ±5% of the indicated kVp. For 80 kVp, ±5% equals ±4 kVp, so the acceptable range is 76–84 kVp. The other options are either too strict or too lenient compared with standard acceptance criteria. Therefore, the proper tolerance is ±4.0 kVp.