Computed Tomography Technologist Practice Exam 2026 - Free CT Technologist Practice Questions and Study Guide

Increasing the pitch in a CT scan enhances the imaging process by allowing for a longer length of anatomy to be covered during the scan while simultaneously reducing the radiation dose received by the patient. Pitch is defined as the distance the table moves during one rotation of the x-ray tube divided by the total width of the collimated beam. A higher pitch means that the scanner collects data over a larger area in the same amount of time, which leads to faster scans and less time under radiation exposure.

This increase in coverage results in a more comprehensive representation of the anatomical structures being imaged, as it captures broader regions with each rotation of the CT scanner. Additionally, by increasing the pitch, the system uses less radiation overall because it spreads the x-ray exposure over a greater distance, thereby lowering the dose to the patient while still maintaining adequate image quality for diagnostic purposes.

As for the other options, they do not align with the effects of increasing pitch: image resolution can be affected negatively with high pitch settings, patient exposure does not increase but rather decreases with a higher pitch, and the beam intensity is determined by factors other than pitch alone. Understanding the implications of pitch is crucial for optimizing CT imaging while ensuring patient safety.