Radiology Practice Test

A collimator is primarily made of lead because lead is an effective material for absorbing and attenuating radiation. Its high density allows it to effectively shape and limit the x-ray beams or radiation emitted from a source, minimizing unnecessary exposure to surrounding tissues and enhancing image quality. Aluminum, while used in some components of diagnostic imaging, does not provide the necessary attenuation that lead does for collimators. Plastic and steel are also not used as primary materials for collimators, as they are less effective in controlling radiation intensity and beam shape compared to lead. Therefore, lead is the optimal choice for collimators in radiology practices due to its protective properties against radiation.