Mammographic Radiation Dose Measurement

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To measure the mammographic radiation dose of different mammographic units and views as compared to the American College of Radiology Recommendations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We measured the kVp, entrance dose and average glandular dose for three mammo-graphic units(two Giotto Hi-Tech Mammography, IMS, Bologna, Italy, one Senographe 500T, GE Medical Systems, Milwaukee, Wis., U.S.A.) in the 26 -33 kV range. Dose measurement for magnification compression view was obtained for two machines and dose measurement for stereotactic views was obtained for one machine. RESULTS: For each machine, the entrance dose was within the range of 3.400 -6.077, 4.383 -11.403, 3.790 -6 . 497 mSv, respectively, and the average glandular dose was within the range of 0.74 -1.96 mGy. The entrance and average glandular dose were 17.14, 18.00 mSv, and 3.73, 3.92 mGy for the magnification compression view and 2.41 -2.92 mSv, 0.50 -0.61 mGy for stereotactic views. The error range of kVp was ~1 1 . 3 ~+1.9 %. CONCLUSION: The entrance dose and average glandular dose were above the limit of the American College of Radiology Recommendations. It is necessary to develop a Korean standard on the basis of the above data.