In radiography, what does mA primarily control?

In radiography, the milliampere (mA) primarily controls the quantity of radiation produced by the X-ray tube. This setting influences the number of X-ray photons generated during the exposure. Higher mA settings result in a greater number of X-ray photons, leading to a higher radiation output and increased density on the radiographic image. Because mA directly impacts the overall intensity of the radiation beam, it is crucial for achieving the desired image quality and exposure levels.

While the quality of the image is influenced by factors such as kilovolt peak (kVp), the relationship of mA to image density is more direct; thus, understanding the role of mA in controlling radiation quantity is foundational for effective radiographic practice. The patient dose can be affected by mA settings indirectly, but primarily it is the quantity of radiation produced that is directly controlled by the mA.