Which factor most commonly causes artifact on a radiograph?

Which factor most commonly causes artifact on a radiograph?

• A. Improper handling of film
• B. Patient motion
• C. Incorrect exposure
• D. Fogging due to processing

Answer: (C)

Artifacts show up as features that don’t reflect the actual anatomy, and they obscure or distort the image. The most common cause is motion during the exposure, which creates blur and loss of sharp detail. When the patient or parts move even slightly, the recorded image becomes smeared, especially affecting fine structures and edges. This is why technologists emphasize immobilization, short exposure times, and clear patient instructions to minimize blur. Other factors can produce artifacts too. Handling the film improperly can leave surface defects like fingerprints or scratches, processing faults can introduce uneven development or streaks, and incorrect exposure changes overall density or contrast. Fogging from processing or environmental sources reduces contrast but is less of a frequent cause of artifacts compared with motion blur.

Artifacts show up as features that don’t reflect the actual anatomy, and they obscure or distort the image. The most common cause is motion during the exposure, which creates blur and loss of sharp detail. When the patient or parts move even slightly, the recorded image becomes smeared, especially affecting fine structures and edges. This is why technologists emphasize immobilization, short exposure times, and clear patient instructions to minimize blur.

Other factors can produce artifacts too. Handling the film improperly can leave surface defects like fingerprints or scratches, processing faults can introduce uneven development or streaks, and incorrect exposure changes overall density or contrast. Fogging from processing or environmental sources reduces contrast but is less of a frequent cause of artifacts compared with motion blur.