What does the term ‘exposure factor’ refer to in radiography?

The term ‘exposure factor’ in radiography specifically refers to the combination of kilovoltage peak (kVp) and milliampere-seconds (mAs) that determines the exposure of the X-ray to the film or digital detector. KVp influences the quality and penetrating power of the X-ray beam, while mAs relates to the quantity of X-rays produced. Together, these two factors ensure that the right amount of radiation reaches the target, producing a diagnostic image with adequate contrast and detail. Optimal exposure factors are essential for achieving the desired image quality while minimizing patient dose.