What is the typical kilovoltage peak (kVp) range for diagnostic radiography?

The typical kilovoltage peak (kVp) range for diagnostic radiography falls within the range of 50 kVp to 120 kVp. This range is optimal for producing high-quality images while ensuring patient safety. Using kVp values within this range enables sufficient penetration of X-rays through various tissues in the body while maintaining adequate contrast and detail in the resulting radiographs.

Lower kVp values, such as those below 50 kVp, would generally provide insufficient penetration for most diagnostic purposes, particularly in thicker or denser body areas. Conversely, using kVp values above 120 kVp may result in excessive radiation exposure to the patient without significant benefits in image quality, as the increased energy could lead to decreased contrast in the images.

Thus, the range of 50 kVp to 120 kVp is considered the standard for most general diagnostic radiography procedures, as it strikes a balance between adequate image quality and patient radiation dose management.