What is one of the primary goals of utilizing higher kVp in X-ray imaging?

Utilizing higher kilovolt peak (kVp) settings in X-ray imaging primarily aims to decrease patient dose. When kVp is increased, it enhances the penetrability of the X-ray beam, allowing it to pass through tissues more effectively. This reduces the overall amount of radiation needed to achieve an adequate image quality, as less exposure time and lower milliampere-second (mAs) settings can be applied while still obtaining a clear image.

Higher kVp results in a more efficient X-ray production process, where a higher proportion of the generated X-rays are able to reach the detector, leading to adequate imaging with reduced radiation exposure to the patient. Other options, such as increasing radiation exposure or extending exposure time, would counteract the goal of minimizing patient dose, while enhancing image contrast is typically more associated with lower kVp levels, as lower kVp can create higher differential absorption between different tissues.