Potentials of additional copper filtration on radiation dose and image quality for adults underwent digital chest X-ray imaging in Dubai Health Authority - UAE

OBJECTIVE

To explore the potentials of adding copper (Cu) filter on image quality and patient dose of adult patients underwent chest X-ray examination METHODS: Patients were divided into four groups. Group 1, patients were exposed with no added Cu filter (standard or control), group 2 a 0.1 mm Cu filter was added, group 3 acquired with 0.2 mm Cu filter and group 4 performed with 0.3 mm Cu filter. Exposure index (EI), entrance surface dose (ESD) and dose area product (DAP) were recorded from the modality and retrospectively analyzed. The visual grading analysis score (VGAS) was used to evaluate image quality. Mann-Whitney T-Test and one-way ordinary ANOVA Test were used to evaluate statistical differences including gender-based findings.

RESULTS

EI, ESD and DAP data for a total of 784 patients (422 male and 362 female) that underwent indirect digital chest radiography exam were collected. Image quality was maintained when adding 0.1 mm Cu filter achieved with ∼19% DAP reduction. Female showed a significant DAP reduction comparing to male registered in the same group.

CONCLUSIONS

Reducing dose when using indirect digital chest radiography is possible with no trade-off on image quality. No loss of image quality was reported, images were broadly comparable.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

This study highlights the importance of utilizing the additional copper filter in digital chest radiography.