Optimisation of image plate radiography with respect to tube voltage.
OBJECTIVE
To find the tube voltage that results in the highest image quality per effective dose unit for chest and pelvis radiography, respectively, using image plates.


METHODS
Two anthropomorphic phantoms (chest and pelvis) were imaged with several different tube voltages. The mA s settings were chosen so that the effective dose to the phantom was the same, regardless of the tube voltage, for the two examinations, respectively. The quality of the images was evaluated by six experienced radiologists using visual grading analysis.


RESULTS
For both the chest and the pelvis examinations, the image quality increased when the tube voltage was reduced compared with the standard settings (125 and 70 kV for chest and pelvis, respectively), which were used for screen-film radiography previously.


CONCLUSIONS
The image quality of image plate radiography can be increased by lowering the tube voltage compared with the one that was used for screen-film radiography.
Tingberg
Anders
A
Department of Radiation Physics, Malmö University Hospital, SE-205 02 Malmö, Sweden. anders.tingberg@rfa.mas.lu.se
Sjöström
David
D
D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D015233:Models, Statistical; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D011859:Radiography; D011860:Radiography, Abdominal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D011874:Radiometry / Q000379:methods; D013997:Time Factors; D014963:X-Ray Intensifying Screens