In diagnostic radiography, the added filtration in the tube assembly is typically provided by which component?

• A. Aluminum plates
• B. Inserting metal foil
• C. Glass window
• D. Protective gloves

Answer: (A)

Filtration is used to remove the low-energy photons from the X‑ray beam so the beam is more penetrating and the patient gets less dose while image contrast improves. The added filtration refers to extra filtering placed in the beam path beyond the tube itself. Aluminum plates are used because aluminum effectively absorbs these soft photons without overly diminishing the higher-energy, useful photons. It’s also practical to fabricate and standardize in known thickness, making the beam “harder” in a controlled way.

The glass window and oil inside the tube contribute to inherent filtration, not added filtration. Protective gloves are unrelated to beam filtration. Inserting metal foil isn’t the standard practice for added filtration in routine radiography.