What is a potential consequence of poor collimation in CT imaging?

Poor collimation in CT imaging can lead to increased radiation exposure to patients. Collimation is the process used to limit the X-ray beam to the area of interest, which helps to focus the imaging on the target anatomical structure and minimize exposure to surrounding tissues. When collimation is not properly applied, more tissue is exposed to radiation than necessary, resulting in a higher overall dose to the patient.

This increased exposure can pose potential health risks, as higher doses of radiation are associated with a greater likelihood of radiation-induced effects, including cancer. Additionally, proper collimation aids in improving image quality by reducing scatter radiation, which can further enhance diagnostic accuracy and clinical outcomes.