Examination of the relevance of using radiochromic films in measuring entrance skin dose distribution in conventional digital mammography

Abstract

Based on manufacturer specifications, radiochromic films are sensitive enough to be used for dosimetry in digital mammography (DM). The aim of this work was to study the feasibility of measuring entrance surface dose (ESD) distribution using Gafchromic XR-QA2 films. The films were irradiated following a standard clinical two-view screening mammography protocol using a full-field digital mammography (FFDM) imaging system. The films were then digitised using a flatbed scanner. The calibration curve relating the readings from a calibrated ionisation chamber and the films' net optical density (NOD) could not be obtained. The examination of the calibration data revealed non-sensitivity of the films to resolve dose differences below 20 mGy at 28 kVp. Therefore, radiochromic films were found not to be suitable for measuring ESD profiles in DM. A 2D map of the NOD of the irradiated films obtained using in-house developed MATLAB computer program is presented.

Dosimetry in x-ray-based breast imaging

“…Soliman and Bakkari (2015) found that radiochromic film was not sensitive enough to measure entrance skin dose in mammography. However, radiochromic film has been used to characterize the dose distribution inside phantoms in contrast enhanced digital mammography (Hwang et al , 2014) and in DBCT (Russo et al , 2010; Crotty et al , 2010; Crotty et al , 2011).…”

Internal breast dosimetry in mammography: Experimental methods and Monte Carlo validation with a monoenergetic x‐ray beam

“…To perform this validation, dosimeters based on three different technologies were used to measure the radiation dose in mammography: thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs), 11,12 metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOS-FET), 13,14 and GafChromic TM films. 15 Multiple dose measurements and tests (e.g., for TLDs and MOSFET sensitivity tests while for GafChromic TM films, scanner homogeneity, best-film size for the calibration, calibration curves analysis, reproducibility, etc.) were used so as to optimize the methodology of their use and also characterize the performance of each for this low-dose and low-energy application.…”

Estimation of cancer risks during mammography procedure in Saudi Arabia

“…Mammographic image quality and MGD depend on imaging technique and the radiographic system used. The patient radiation dose per mammographic examination is lower compared to the previous published researches (Warren et al, 2016, Pasicz et al, 2016, Fartaria et al, 2016, Ślusarczyk-Kacprzyk et al, 2016, Soliman and Bakkari, 2015, Hauge et al, 2014, Al-Kafi et al, 2009, Dance et al, 2009, Smathers et al, 2007, Kruger and Schueler, 2001) (Fig. 2).…”

“…However, to diminish the risk of radiation induced malignant tumors, precise patient dose estimation and optimization are required to bring down the probability of breast cancer to its minimal value (EC, 1996). In the literature, the mean glandular dose (MGD) ranged between 2.0 and 3.7 mGy per procedure (Warren et al, 2016, Pasicz et al, 2016, Fartaria et al, 2016, Ślusarczyk-Kacprzyk et al, 2016, Soliman and Bakkari, 2015, Hauge et al, 2014, Al-Kafi et al, 2009). Although, evaluation of patients' ionizing radiation exposures from radiodiagnostic examinations is recommended for dose optimization and benefit/risk evaluation, few studies have been published regarding patient doses during mammography in Saudi Arabia (Soliman and Bakkari, 2015, Al-Kafi et al, 2009).…”