Energy dependence of the response of X-ray multimeter for radiation qualities in mammography
Abstract Ensuring comprehensive quality control of breast imaging systems involving ionizing radiation like mammography and tomosynthesis is crucial for high diagnostic confidence and maintaining an acceptable patient dose. This requires accurate dosimetric measurements, including air kerma, half-va...
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Nature Portfolio
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Scientific Reports |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-93485-5 |
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| author | Elisabeth Salomon Peter Homolka Istvan Csete Paula Toroi |
| author_facet | Elisabeth Salomon Peter Homolka Istvan Csete Paula Toroi |
| author_sort | Elisabeth Salomon |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Ensuring comprehensive quality control of breast imaging systems involving ionizing radiation like mammography and tomosynthesis is crucial for high diagnostic confidence and maintaining an acceptable patient dose. This requires accurate dosimetric measurements, including air kerma, half-value layer (HVL), and tube voltage as key quantities. Ionization chambers or semiconductor-based X-ray multimeters (XMMs) are used to measure these parameters, with XMMs also displaying tube voltage in one exposure in addition to numerous other parameters. To correct for the influence of slight changes in the X-ray spectra on the response of XMMs, dedicated algorithms are implemented in the XMMs’ software. They often require manual selection of anode/filter combinations prior the measurements. However, to ensure comparability, consistency, and traceability, measurement equipment must be calibrated for each specific measurement quantity. National dosimetry laboratories may have limited options for calibration, and errors can occur if the wrong combination is selected in the XMM software. This study investigates the hypothesis that the selection of the anode/filter combination in XMM software influences the readings. The primary objective is to evaluate the impact of different anode/filter combinations selected in the software on the measurement of air kerma, half-value layer (HVL), and tube voltage. Additionally, the study assesses the feasibility of performing quality assurance for XMMs using a limited range of anode/filter combinations. The readings of eight commercially available XMMs for air kerma rate, HVL and tube voltage were compared with the reference values realized in the IAEA secondary standards dosimetry laboratory for five anode/filter combinations and tube voltages ranging from 25 to 35 kV. The deviation of XMMs readings with different selections of anode/filter combinations in the software was studied. The maximum deviation when anode/filter combination selected in the XMM software matched the anode/filter combination of the X-ray beam was 19% for air kerma, 9% for tube voltage and 10% for HVL. When the selected anode/filter combination set differed from the one used, maximum deviation increased up to 31% for air kerma, 44% for tube voltage and 45% for HVL. Appropriate selection of the anode/filter combination in the XMM software is crucial for obtaining reliable measurement results. Interpolation of calibration coefficients between different radiation qualities and selections is not recommended. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-30a53eaca11e43d58e2637ec2acb7a2c |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2045-2322 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Scientific Reports |
| spelling | doaj-art-30a53eaca11e43d58e2637ec2acb7a2c2025-08-20T02:52:17ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-03-0115111410.1038/s41598-025-93485-5Energy dependence of the response of X-ray multimeter for radiation qualities in mammographyElisabeth Salomon0Peter Homolka1Istvan Csete2Paula Toroi3Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of ViennaCenter for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of ViennaSection of Dosimetry and Medical Radiation Physics, International Atomic Energy AgencyRadiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, STUKAbstract Ensuring comprehensive quality control of breast imaging systems involving ionizing radiation like mammography and tomosynthesis is crucial for high diagnostic confidence and maintaining an acceptable patient dose. This requires accurate dosimetric measurements, including air kerma, half-value layer (HVL), and tube voltage as key quantities. Ionization chambers or semiconductor-based X-ray multimeters (XMMs) are used to measure these parameters, with XMMs also displaying tube voltage in one exposure in addition to numerous other parameters. To correct for the influence of slight changes in the X-ray spectra on the response of XMMs, dedicated algorithms are implemented in the XMMs’ software. They often require manual selection of anode/filter combinations prior the measurements. However, to ensure comparability, consistency, and traceability, measurement equipment must be calibrated for each specific measurement quantity. National dosimetry laboratories may have limited options for calibration, and errors can occur if the wrong combination is selected in the XMM software. This study investigates the hypothesis that the selection of the anode/filter combination in XMM software influences the readings. The primary objective is to evaluate the impact of different anode/filter combinations selected in the software on the measurement of air kerma, half-value layer (HVL), and tube voltage. Additionally, the study assesses the feasibility of performing quality assurance for XMMs using a limited range of anode/filter combinations. The readings of eight commercially available XMMs for air kerma rate, HVL and tube voltage were compared with the reference values realized in the IAEA secondary standards dosimetry laboratory for five anode/filter combinations and tube voltages ranging from 25 to 35 kV. The deviation of XMMs readings with different selections of anode/filter combinations in the software was studied. The maximum deviation when anode/filter combination selected in the XMM software matched the anode/filter combination of the X-ray beam was 19% for air kerma, 9% for tube voltage and 10% for HVL. When the selected anode/filter combination set differed from the one used, maximum deviation increased up to 31% for air kerma, 44% for tube voltage and 45% for HVL. Appropriate selection of the anode/filter combination in the XMM software is crucial for obtaining reliable measurement results. Interpolation of calibration coefficients between different radiation qualities and selections is not recommended.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-93485-5 |
| spellingShingle | Elisabeth Salomon Peter Homolka Istvan Csete Paula Toroi Energy dependence of the response of X-ray multimeter for radiation qualities in mammography Scientific Reports |
| title | Energy dependence of the response of X-ray multimeter for radiation qualities in mammography |
| title_full | Energy dependence of the response of X-ray multimeter for radiation qualities in mammography |
| title_fullStr | Energy dependence of the response of X-ray multimeter for radiation qualities in mammography |
| title_full_unstemmed | Energy dependence of the response of X-ray multimeter for radiation qualities in mammography |
| title_short | Energy dependence of the response of X-ray multimeter for radiation qualities in mammography |
| title_sort | energy dependence of the response of x ray multimeter for radiation qualities in mammography |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-93485-5 |
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