What does an increase in kVp typically do to the patient radiation dose?

An increase in kilovoltage peak (kVp) typically increases the radiation dose to the patient because higher kVp settings result in a greater penetration of X-rays through the patient's body. This is due to the increased energy of the X-ray photons at higher kVp levels, which not only allows for better imaging of thicker or denser anatomical structures but also contributes to a higher overall dose.

Moreover, higher kVp settings tend to increase the amount of scattered radiation produced within the patient, which can further contribute to the effective dose delivered to sensitive tissues. While higher kVp may improve image quality by enhancing contrast, it is essential to balance that against the potential increase in dose, highlighting the importance of optimizing exposure settings to ensure that patient safety is prioritized alongside diagnostic efficacy.