ABSTRACT
Background: Thorax MSCT examination is a diagnostic imaging that is capable of displaying both normal and pathological lung and respiratory organs. MSCT examination also has a better level of sensitivity and specificity compared to other modalities, but the radiation exposure given is very high, so the radiation dose given to patients is high. The reduction in radiation dose is very important because of the direct exposure to sensitive tissue. One method of reducing radiation dose is by reducing the tube voltage. However, the decrease in tube voltage causes a decrease in image quality as indicated by increased noise and decreased CNR. To maintain the quality of the image at low tube voltage setting, an IR reconstruction of SAFIRE was used. The purpose of this research is to know the impact of using SAFIRE on dose radiation and image quality of thorax MSCT.Methods: This study was an experimental study with a quasi-experimental study design. The object used was the N-1 Lungman chest phantom in which an artificial tumor was attached. Radiation dose assessment used CTDI value, while image quality assessment used noise and CNR. Data processing was conducted using linear regression test.Results: There was an effect of tube voltage setting and SAFIRE setting on radiation dose and image quality.Conclusions: Tube voltage ssetting and SAFIRE setting had an effect on radiation dose and image quality. Tube voltage setting and SAFIRE strength level setting that were able to provide optimal radiation dose and image quality were tube voltage of 80 kVp and SAFIRE strength levels 3 and 4 (S3 and S4).