What should you do if an X-ray image is too light?

When an X-ray image is too light, it indicates that the image did not receive enough radiation exposure to adequately capture the details of the area being imaged. Increasing the exposure time or adjusting the other relevant settings, such as milliamperage or kilovoltage, enhances the amount of radiation reaching the film or digital sensor.

This adjustment allows for a more robust image, as it provides sufficient contrast and density, making the diagnostic information clearer and more accurate. The technique directly affects the radiographic density; therefore, if an image is too light, it is essential to increase these parameters to achieve a properly exposed image.

In contrast, other choices such as decrementing exposure, changing the film developer, or reducing distance would not effectively resolve the issue of an image being too light. Decrementing exposure would further reduce the radiation exposure, worsening the issue. Changing the film developer may be relevant for processing errors but does not address the immediate exposure problem. Reducing distance might lead to increased exposure depending on the scenario, but it does not directly adjust the necessary exposure parameters for the X-ray being taken.