What is the typical range for pixel values in CT imaging?

In computed tomography (CT), pixel values are measured in Hounsfield Units (HU), which describe the density of tissues relative to water. The typical range of pixel values allows for effective differentiation between various types of tissues based on their density, which is critical for diagnostic imaging.

The range of -1024 HU to +3071 HU is commonly used in CT imaging. The value of -1024 HU corresponds to air, which has a very low density, while +3071 HU represents highly dense materials, such as bone or certain contrast agents. This broad scale supports the differentiation of various soft tissues, fluids, and dense structures in the body.

Other potential ranges may not adequately capture the full spectrum of tissue densities observed in clinical practice. For instance, lighter ranges would lose some detail on denser structures or fail to adequately depict the lower-density materials, compromising diagnostic capabilities. The range in option A is ideal for ensuring a complete representation of all the tissues typically encountered during CT scans, making it the most accurate choice.