AEC (Automatic Exposure Controls)

AEC, also known as Photo-timing, is the use of ionization chambers to

automatically terminate an exposure once a desired dose is hit. Typically when using
straight-timing, the radiographer would enter in a kVp and mAs. This indicates the
penetrability, the quantity of x-ray photons, and the amount of time for the entire
exposure before it is terminated. With AEC, the automatic exposure adjusts with the kVp
and mA that is selected, and then terminates the exposure once the cells have the desired
dose. These are determined by photocells or ionization chambers. Today, we will see five
of these photocells on the upright bucky on a stationary x-ray machine. There are many
factors/caveats that come into play when using AEC.
Density of body part: This is important to be aware of for setting your technique when
using AEC. Typically there are density control labels that have three settings before zero
and three settings after zero. Zero is a normal density and anything that is bigger or
smaller than that will be set as such. This may sound as though it is referring to body
habitus but it really is used when the photocell cant adapt to the necessary positioning.
Positioning: Because of the placement of these photocells, a skilled radiographer knows
how the patient should be positioned to precisely over these cells completely other wise
the image will be poor because the cells are picking up on the different densities when
half of the cell isnt even behind the patient. The cell will remain on until enough photons
penetrated the more dense area enough to reach it. Therefore, the less dense area will be
over-exposed because of the extra duration of exposure. In a nutshell, it keeps exposing
until everyone crosses the finish line, and when a subject is denser, it will take longer
than that of a less dense subject.
Collimation: We all learn to collimate as much as possible when performing exams but
you have to be more careful with this when using AEC. When the photocell is partially
collimated out, the sensors pick up on the very dense led or metal that keeps the exposure
from scattering, and waits for that to be penetrated to shut off and therefore overexposing
the anatomy of interest. On the contrary, when collimating out further than necessary the
exact opposite occurs. Because of all the scatter radiation, the AEC may terminate
prematurely resulting in an underexposed anatomy of interest.
Timing: Another factor to be aware of in AEC is timing and the minimum response time.
The minimum response time is the length of time needed to respond to the ionization and
sends a signal to terminate the exposure. If you require less time you use more mA and if
you require more time you would use less. Another term to be aware of is backup time.
This is the maximum exposure time set to prevent any over exposure. If the backup time
is too short, this can under expose the image because it terminates the exposure before
even reaching the AEC signal.