8 research outputs found
Increasing source to image distance for AP pelvis imaging – impact on radiation dose and image quality
Aim: A quantative primary study to determine whether increasing source to image distance (SID), with
and without the use of automatic exposure control (AEC) for antero-posterior (AP) pelvis imaging, reduces
dose whilst still producing an image of diagnostic quality.
Methods: Using a computed radiography (CR) system, an anthropomorphic pelvic phantom was positioned
for an AP examination using the table bucky. SID was initially set at 110 cm, with tube potential set
at a constant 75 kVp, with two outer chambers selected and a fine focal spot of 0.6 mm. SID was then
varied from 90 cm to 140 cm with two exposures made at each 5 cm interval, one using the AEC and
another with a constant 16 mAs derived from the initial exposure. Effective dose (E) and entrance surface
dose (ESD) were calculated for each acquisition. Seven experienced observers blindly graded image
quality using a 5-point Likert scale and 2 Alternative Forced Choice software. Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)
was calculated for comparison. For each acquisition, femoral head diameter was also measured for
magnification indication.
Results: Results demonstrated that when increasing SID from 110 cm to 140 cm, both E and ESD reduced
by 3.7% and 17.3% respectively when using AEC and 50.13% and 41.79% respectively, when the constant
mAs was used. No significant statistical (T-test) difference (p ¼ 0.967) between image quality was
detected when increasing SID, with an intra-observer correlation of 0.77 (95% confidence level). SNR
reduced slightly for both AEC (38%) and no AEC (36%) with increasing SID.
Conclusion: For CR, increasing SID significantly reduces both E and ESD for AP pelvis imaging without
adversely affecting image quality