title: Impact of operator-selected image noise index and reconstruction slice thickness on patient radiation dose in 64-MDCT.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Our objective was to develop a better understanding of the complex interrelationship between image noise, reconstruction slice thickness, and patient radiation dose on a 64-MDCT scanner that uses automated tube current modulation.
  
  
  METHODS
  We reviewed physics theory and performed phantom dose measurements on a 64-MDCT scanner while altering operator-selectable image noise and reconstruction slice thickness.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Using phantom dose measurements to adjust theoretic predictions, we constructed both a spreadsheet and a graph that visually display the interrelationships between operator-selected image noise and reconstruction slice thickness and the resulting patient dose.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This table and graph may help operators understand the trade-offs when prospectively trying to minimize dose and optimize image noise for selected reconstruction slice thicknesses on this type of 64-MDCT scanner.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, 1959 NE Pacific St., Box 357115, Seattle, WA 98195-7115, USA. kkanal@u.washington.edu
authors.forename: Kalpana M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Kanal
authors.forename: Brent K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.forename: Orpheus
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Kolokythas
authors.forename: William P
authors.initials: WP
authors.lastname: Shuman
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D001822:Body Burden; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D011874:Radiometry / Q000379:methods*; D012062:Relative Biological Effectiveness; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*