During an X-ray procedure, what is the main purpose of collimation?

The main purpose of collimation during an X-ray procedure is to limit the X-ray beam to the area of interest. By narrowing the X-ray beam, collimation helps to focus the radiation on the specific part of the body being examined. This is crucial for several reasons. It minimizes the patient's exposure to unnecessary radiation, as less surrounding tissue is irradiated. Additionally, collimation helps to improve image quality by reducing the scatter radiation that can degrade the final image. When the X-ray beam is appropriately collimated, it enables clearer and more precise images, which is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

While enhancing image contrast, patient comfort, and maintaining the integrity of the equipment are important factors in radiologic practices, they are not the primary functions of collimation in X-ray procedures.