short-scale contrast

short-scale contrast

A radiograph that demonstrates large differences in density between adjacent areas. Short-scale contrast is a result of low kilovoltage peak (kVp). In dental radiography, for example, a kVp less than about 60 must be used to produce a radiograph with short-scale contrast.

See also: contrast

short-scale con·trast

(shōrt-skāl kontrast)

A radiographic image that shows areas mainly of black and white, and thus has high contrast.