How can artifacts in digital radiography be minimized?

Minimizing artifacts in digital radiography is best achieved through a comprehensive approach that includes ensuring proper positioning, checking the integrity of the detectors, and adhering to established exposure guidelines. Proper positioning is crucial because incorrect alignment of the patient or the equipment can lead to artifacts that obscure the image quality.

Checking the integrity of the detectors is also essential, as any malfunction or degradation in the detector's performance can introduce noise and artifacts in the images. Adhering to exposure guidelines ensures that images are taken at optimal settings for contrast and detail, significantly reducing the likelihood of distortions caused by either underexposure or overexposure.

In contrast, using lower quality detectors can actually increase the likelihood of artifacts rather than minimize them, as these may not provide the necessary resolution or detail. Maximizing image contrast alone does not address all types of artifacts and may not resolve issues caused by improper technique or equipment failure. Lastly, decreasing the number of exposures does not necessarily reduce artifacts; in fact, it may compromise diagnostic accuracy if essential views are omitted. Therefore, the holistic and methodical approach represented in the correct answer is the most effective way to reduce artifacts in digital radiography.