Contrast effects of a gadolinium filter

Journal Article · · Med. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1118/1.594933· OSTI ID:5336379

Burgess, A E

Several authors have suggested using heavy metal filters with K edges in the diagnostic energy range to reduce the width of the x-ray spectrum and hence reduce patient radiation exposure. This spectral narrowing also increases subject contrast and permits an increase in tube potential. Results of contrast measurements are presented for a 250 mu gadolinium filter. It was found that aluminum filter contrast could be matched by using 8 to 10 kVp higher potential with the gadolinium filter. Similar results were found for calcium tungstate and rare-earth screens. Measurements were also done to determine skin exposure and mAs ratios for both constant contrast and constant kVp technique conversion methods. A simple theory with one adjustable parameter gives a reasonable fit to the experimental results.

• Research Organization: Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
• OSTI ID: 5336379
• Journal Information: Med. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: Med. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 8:2; ISSN MPHYA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550602* -- Medicine-- External Radiation in Diagnostics-- (1980-)
61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY
62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
655003 -- Medical Physics-- Dosimetry
BIOMEDICAL RADIOGRAPHY
BODY
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
DESIGN
DIAGNOSIS
DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES
DOSES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELEMENTS
FILTERS
GADOLINIUM
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
IONIZING RADIATIONS
MEDICINE
METALS
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ORGANS
PATIENTS
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION HAZARDS
RADIATIONS
RADIOLOGY
RARE EARTHS
SKIN
X RADIATION