What purpose does a lead collimator serve in the tubehead?

A lead collimator serves the important purpose of restricting the size of the X-ray beam that is emitted from the tubehead. By shaping and limiting the beam, the collimator ensures that radiation is directed only where it is needed for imaging. This minimizes exposure to surrounding tissues, thereby reducing the risk of unnecessary radiation to patients and practitioners.

In addition to enhancing patient safety, restricting the beam size can improve image quality by reducing scatter radiation, which can lead to clearer and more defined images. This functionality is crucial in achieving optimal diagnostic outcomes while maintaining radiation safety standards.