What type of artifact can be reduced by breath-holding techniques during imaging?

Breath-holding techniques are particularly effective in reducing motion artifacts during imaging. Motion artifacts occur when there is movement of the patient—this can include any type of motion, whether it be voluntary, such as breathing, or involuntary, such as heartbeat. Such movements can lead to blurring or displacement of structures in the images, making it difficult to accurately interpret the results.

By instructing the patient to hold their breath during the imaging process, the technologist minimizes the motion that occurs from breathing. This results in clearer and more stable images, thereby improving the diagnostic quality. Therefore, the reduction of motion artifacts is a key reason for implementing breath-holding techniques during imaging procedures.