What is the effect of a higher bit depth on a digital radiograph?

A higher bit depth in digital radiography refers to the number of bits used to represent each pixel in the image. This directly impacts how many distinct gray levels the system can display. Specifically, with each additional bit of depth, the number of potential shades available increases exponentially. For example, an 8-bit image can display 256 different shades of gray, while a 12-bit image can represent 4,096 shades.

This greater number of shades of gray allows for improved contrast resolution in the digital image, enabling the radiologist or technician to discern finer details in the anatomy or pathology being assessed. This is particularly important in medical imaging, where subtle differences in tissue density may indicate specific conditions. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the significance of increased bit depth in enhancing the diagnostic quality of digital radiographs.