Which of the following describes what the photographic process control includes?

• A. Image quality
• B. All of the above
• C. Contrast, density, and base-plus-fog
• D. Patient radiation dose

Answer: (B)

Photographic process control is about everything that shapes how the radiographic image appears on the receptor. That includes image quality, since the image must be diagnostically useful; contrast and density, which determine how well tissues are demonstrated; base-plus-fog, which refers to unwanted film fog or base density that can obscure details; and patient dose, because the exposure used to achieve the desired density/contrast directly affects the amount of radiation the patient receives. Since each of these elements influences the final image, all of the above best captures what photographic process control includes.