Congress:
EuroSafe Imaging 2016
Keywords:
Action 3 - Optimisation, diagnostic reference levels, image quality, Action 2 - Clinical diagnostic reference levels (DRLs)
Authors:
G. Paulo, E. Vano, A. Rodrigues
DOI:
10.1594/esi2016/ESI-0031
Conclusion and Recommendations
This work allowed proposing new and harmonised exposure parameters for chest,
abdomen and pelvis plain radiography,
facilitating dose reduction by up to 94% with image quality being maintained after a subjective image quality analysis using the Visual Grading Characteristics method.
Several corrections were made regarding the way the dose reduction technological features,
available on the X-ray equipment,
were used.
Improvements were introduced especially about guidance regarding the use of automatic exposure control and the ionisation chambers,
the antiscatter grid and the use of additional filtration,
leading to patient dose reduction without compromising image quality.
The optimisation programme presented in this thesis has led to an increased awareness of radiation protection amongst health professionals.
Paediatric plain radiography doses have been reduced,
however additional optimisation is necessary for other procedures,
following the same methodology carried out by a multidisciplinary skilled and well-trained team,
including a medical physics expert.
Good practice is recommended by European guidelines and is a matter requiring further research.