What image quality is derived from higher mAs settings?

In positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, higher mAs (milliampere-seconds) settings contribute to improved image quality primarily due to the increase in radiation dose delivered to the detector. When mAs is raised, it enhances the number of photons detected, which increases the signal-to-noise ratio. A higher signal-to-noise ratio is crucial for distinguishing between different tissues and lesions, thereby permitting clearer and more distinguishable images.

Furthermore, increasing the mAs can improve the spatial resolution and increase the sensitivity of the images, allowing for better visualization of small or subtle metabolic activities within the body. These enhancements are especially important in PET imaging, where clarity and detail are vital for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Therefore, the outcome of using higher mAs settings is indeed higher image quality, making it the correct choice.