What is the sensitivity of regular rare-earth screens compared to calcium tungstate screens?

Regular rare-earth screens are known for their high sensitivity when compared to calcium tungstate screens. The correct choice indicates that regular rare-earth screens have a sensitivity of 400S, while calcium tungstate screens have a sensitivity of 100S. This means that for the same exposure to radiation, rare-earth screens are four times more effective at converting the incoming radiation into visible light, which enhances the overall image quality and reduces exposure times for patients and operators.

The increased sensitivity of rare-earth screens is primarily due to their ability to emit light in the green spectrum, which is more efficiently captured by modern film and digital imaging systems. This improved efficiency makes rare-earth screens a preferred choice in radiographic applications, as they contribute to a reduction in radiation dose while maintaining image quality.

Understanding this difference in sensitivity is crucial for radiologic technologists and supervisors as it impacts radiation safety practices, image quality, and patient care procedures. Thus, recognizing the sharper contrast in performance between these two types of screens is vital for anyone involved in radiography.