Monte Carlo calculation of conversion factors for the estimation of mean glandular breast dose.
The IPSM report on the commissioning and routine testing of mammographic x-ray systems recommends that breast dose be specified as the mean dose to the glandular tissues within the breast and gives the size and compositions of a standard breast phantom for the comparison of doses. The dose to this standard breast phantom can be determined by measuring the incident air kerma to a Perspex phantom and applying appropriate multiplicative conversion factors. These conversion factors have been evaluated by Monte Carlo calculations for a wide range of mammographic x-ray spectra. Some factors are provided for a range of breast thicknesses to supplement existing tabulations. Results are also given for equivalent thicknesses of Perspex and breast tissue.
Dance
D R
DR
Department of Physics, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK.
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography / Q000592:standards*; D008961:Models, Structural; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D011829:Radiation Dosage