What is the primary purpose of beam filtration in radiography?

The primary purpose of beam filtration in radiography is to decrease patient dose. Beam filtration works by removing low-energy photons from the x-ray beam before they reach the patient. These low-energy photons contribute to the patient's radiation dose without improving image quality because they do not penetrate well and are mostly absorbed by the patient's skin and superficial tissues. By filtering these less useful components of the beam, the overall exposure to the patient is reduced, which lowers the risk of radiation-related complications while still allowing for the necessary diagnostic information to be obtained.

Choosing filtration is crucial for optimizing the effectiveness and safety of radiographic procedures, ensuring that patients receive the minimal necessary radiation dose while still producing a diagnostic-quality image.