Keywords:
Dosimetric comparison, Radiation safety, Equipment, Dosimetry, Digital radiography, Radioprotection / Radiation dose, Radiographers
Authors:
E. Higgins, K. Matthews; Dublin/IE
DOI:
10.26044/ecr2019/C-1982
Aims and objectives
It is widely accepted best practice to use automatic exposure control (AEC) devices where applicable [1].
AEC use has aided radiographers in reducing patient dose whilst maintaining diagnostic image quality [2].
However,
literature has suggested that when an AEC device is first installed,
the manufacturer will set the dose constant of the device to demonstrate the detector's optimal performance,
with less consideration of patient dose [3].
The overall aims of AEC are to facilitate consistent imaging exposures,
thus reducing repeated exposures and patient dose [4].
Setting the AEC dose constant too high is not in keeping with the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principle and thus should be explored.
Several studies suggest that to keep the patient dose ALARA,
the image quality need not be as good as the digital technology is capable of,
but only as good as is necessary for a diagnosis [5].
This single centre,
anthropomorphic phantom study therefore investigated whether AEC settings can be modified in order to reduce patient dose without causing detrimental effects on image quality for antero-posterior (AP) lumbar spine and pelvis radiographs.
The objectives were to:
- establish Dose Area Product (DAP) doses and image quality arising from prevailing AEC settings in a single x-ray room.
- establish DAP doses and image quality arising from AEC settings adjusted to deliver a lower dose.
- compare the results to ascertain the feasibility of employing lower AEC dose settings.