• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.205-211
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• 2015

At a recent medical imaging technology, the major issue of X-ray diagnosis in breast cancer is the early detection of breast cancer and low patient's exposure dose. As one of studies to acquire a monochromatic X-ray, Technologies using multilayer mirror had been preceded. However, a uniform multilayer mirror that consists of uniform thin-film thickness can acquire a monochromatic X-ray only in the partial area corresponds to angle of incidence of white X-ray, so there are limits for X-ray imaging technology applications. In this study, we designed laterally graded multilayer mirror(below GML) that reflects same monochromatic X-ray over the entire area of thin-film mirror, which have the the thickness of the linear gradient that correspond to angle of incidence of white X-ray. By using ion-beam sputtering system added the mask control system we fabricated a GML which has size of $100{\times}100mm^2$. The GML is designed to achieve the monochromatic X-ray of 17.5kev energy and has thin-film thickness change from 4.62nm to 6.57nm(3.87nm at center). It reflects the monochromatic X-ray with reflectivity of more than 60 percent, FWHM of below 2.6keV and X-ray beam width of about 3mm. The monochromatic X-ray corresponded to 17.5keV using GML would have wide application in development of mammography system with high contrast and low dose.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.160-167
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• 2015

Radiation exposure from medical diagnostic imaging procedures to patients is one of the most significant interests in diagnostic x-ray system. A miniature x-ray intraoral tube was developed for the first time in the world which can be inserted into the mouth for imaging. Dose evaluation should be carried out in order to utilize such an imaging device for clinical use. In this study, dose evaluation of the new x-ray unit was performed by 1) using a custom made in vivo Pig phantom, 2) determining exposure condition for the clinical use, and 3) measuring patient dose of the new system. On the basis of DRLs (Diagnostic Reference Level) recommended by KDFA (Korea Food & Drug Administration), the ESD (Entrance Skin Dose) and DAP (Dose Area Product) measurements for the new x-ray imaging device were designed and measured. The maximum voltage and current of the x-ray tubes used in this study were 55 kVp, and 300 mA. The active area of the detector was $72{\times}72mm$ with pixel size of $48{\mu}m$. To obtain the operating condition of the new system, pig jaw phantom images showing major tooth-associated tissues, such as clown, pulp cavity were acquired at 1 frame/sec. Changing the beam currents 20 to $80{\mu}A$, x-ray images of 50 frames were obtained for one beam current with optimum x-ray exposure setting. Pig jaw phantom images were acquired from two commercial x-ray imaging units and compared to the new x-ray device: CS 2100, Carestream Dental LLC and EXARO, HIOSSEN, Inc. Their exposure conditions were 60 kV, 7 mA, and 60 kV, 2 mA, respectively. Comparing the new x-ray device and conventional x-ray imaging units, images of the new x-ray device around teeth and their neighboring tissues turn out to be better in spite of its small x-ray field size. ESD of the new x-ray device was measured 1.369 mGy on the beam condition for the best image quality, 0.051 mAs, which is much less than DRLs recommended by IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and KDFA, both. Its dose distribution in the x-ray field size was observed to be uniform with standard deviation of 5~10 %. DAP of the new x-ray device was $82.4mGy*cm^2$ less than DRL established by KDFA even though its x-ray field size was small. This study shows that the new x-ray imaging device offers better in image quality and lower radiation dose compared to the conventional intraoral units. In additions, methods and know-how for studies in x-ray features could be accumulated from this work.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.110-114
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• 2014

Purpose: The advancement in PET/CT test devices has decreased the test time and popularized the test, and PET/CT tests have continuously increased. However, this increases the exposure dose of radiation workers, too. This study aims to measure the radiation shielding rate of $^{18}F-FDG$ with a strong energy and the shielding effect when worker wore an apron during the PET/CT test. Also, this study compared the shielding rate with $^{99m}TC$ to minimize the exposure dose of radiation workers. Materials and Methods: This study targeted 10 patients who visited in this hospital for the PET/CT test for 8 days from May 2nd to 10th 2013, and the $^{18}F-FDG$ distribution room, patient relaxing room (stand by room after $^{18}F-FDG$ injection) and PET/CT test room were chosen as measuring spots. Then, the changes in the dose rate were measured before and after the application of the APRON. For an accurate measurement, the distance from patients or sources was fixed at 1M. Also, the same method applied to $^{99m}TC's$ Source in order to compare the reduction in the dose by the Apron. Results: 1) When there was only L-block in the $^{18}F-FDG$ distribution room, the average dose rate was $0.32{\mu}Sv$, and in the case of L-blockK+ apron, it was $0.23{\mu}Sv$. The differences in the dose and dose rate between the two cases were respectively, $0.09{\mu}Sv$ and 26%. 2) When there was no apron in the relaxing room, the average dose rate was $33.1{\mu}Sv$, and when there was an apron, it was $22.3{\mu}Sv$. The differences in the dose and dose rate between them were respectively, $10.8{\mu}Sv$ and 33%. 3) When there was no APRON in the PET/CT room, the average dose rate was $6.9{\mu}Sv$, and there was an APRON, it was $5.5{\mu}Sv$. The differences in the dose and dose rate between them were respectively, $1.4{\mu}Sv$ and 25%. 4) When there was no apron, the average dose rate of $^{99m}TC$ was $23.7{\mu}Sv$, and when there was an apron, it was $5.5{\mu}Sv$. The differences in the dose and dose rate between them were respectively, $18.2{\mu}Sv$ and 77%. Conclusion: According to the result of the experiment, $^{99m}TC$ injected into patients showed an average shielding rate of 77%, and $^{18F}FDG$ showed a relatively low shielding rate of 27%. When comparing the sources only, $^{18F}FDG$ showed a shielding rate of 17%, and $^{99m}TC$'s was 77%. Though it had a lower shielding effect than $^{99m}TC$, $^{18}F-FDG$ also had a shielding effect on the apron. Therefore, it is considered that wearing an apron appropriate for high energy like $^{18}F-FDG$ would minimize the exposure dose of radiation workers.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.204-210
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• 2013

The patients who had been operated total mastectomy are different from general women in their breasts thickness due to breast surgery. As a result, digital chest image from total mastectomy patients will be different attenuation. The main objective for this study is to show that a proper Ion chamber standard combination measuring MTF which is objective basis for Digital image, when be x-ray for total mastectomy patient. We have designed the unique number that shown Left is 1, Right is 2, Center is 3 and have put the edge phantom on detector ion chamber. Lastly, we have obtained experiment images. The evaluations of all image quality have measured by 50% MTF of spatial resolution and absorption dose using Matlab(R2007a). The result showed that average exposure condition, MTF value, absorption dose for 1+3 and 2+3 combinations were 2.745 mAs, 1.925 lp/mm, 0.688 mGy. Consequently, that showed high MTF, DQE and low dose than other combinations. Therefore, a proper changes of ion chambers are able to improve image quality and to reduce radiation exposure when be X-ray for total mastectomy patients. Also, it will be possible to standard for application chamber combination and utilization on clinical detection.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.217-223
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• 2022

In this study, images taken using a grid and images taken using Air Gap Technique were evaluated in X-ray chest radiography. Subjective Evaluation The ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) evaluation was evaluated by 5 radiologists who had worked for more than 10 years in the radiology department of a university hospital. Objective evaluation SNR (Signal to noise ratio) was evaluated. As a result of the analysis, the Cronbach Alpha value was 0.714, which was significantly higher. In the Air Gap Technique, the distance between the phantom and the subject was set at 20 cm, and the image was taken with a tube voltage of 100 kVp, a tube current and a recording time of 8 mAs. In the ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) evaluation, the highest score was obtained with 18 score and an objective evaluation SNR (signal to noise ratio) of 6,149 scored. Also, in the imaging method using a grid, when the distance between the phantom and the constant receptor is 15 cm apart, and the tube voltage is 110 kVp, the tube current and the recording time are taken at 8 mAs, the ROC evaluation score is 19 and the objective evaluation SNR (Signal to noise ratio) is the highest with 6.622 scored. Therefore, if the Air Gap Technique imaging method is used, which overcomes the shortcomings such as delay in reading, increase in patient's exposure dose, and shortening of mechanical lifespan, as well as re-radiography due to the cut-off phenomenon of the grid that appears using the grid, the It is thought that it will be very helpful for chest imaging, including the case of using a portable X-ray imaging device.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.153-159
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• 2024

In X-ray projection, Unskilled radiologists become skilled through fail exam. This causes the patient to be exposed to unnecessary radiation. In this study, pre-position unskilled radiologic technologist presented ways to improve clinical proficiency. presented a skull lateral x-ray projection practice method using visual, spatial, and assistive devices. In addition, the accuracy and usefulness of the use of assistive devices were evaluated. When X-ray images were taken based on learning, the rotational spacing, which indicates image distortion, was 7.85 ± 1.45 mm and the tiliting spacing was 4.84 ± 0.5 mm. When practicing using visual aids, the rotational spacing is 4.4 ± 0.76 mm and the inclination spacing is 3.01 ± 0.87 mm. using a spatial compensation device, the rotational spacing is 5.2 ± 0.69 mm and the tiliting spacing is 3.33 ± 0.61 mm. Skull lateral X-ray Image distortion caused by empirical photography practice decreased by 5.4%, but image distortion caused by tilting increased by 1.2%. When practicing using a visual assistive devices, the degree of rotational spacing by 40.1% and the tiliting spacing decreased by 30.7% compared to the empirical x-ray exposure practice. When using spatial assistive devices, the rotation interval was reduced by 41.7% and the tilting interval by 23.7% compared to conventional empirical x-ray exposure practice. Therefore, if an unskilled radiologist practices using visual and spatial aids,the accuracy will be improved in skull lateral x-ray projection.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.17-21
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• 2014

Purpose With the recent rise of social issue regarding radiation exposure, attention to medical radiation use has been placed under a great spotlight. During PET-CT examination, generally about 40% more of $^{18}F$-FDG is used than EANM recommendation. While maintaining the diagnostic test result, we hope to find optimal injection dose to minimize the $^{18}F$-FDG in patients by utilizing the latest PET-CT scanner which is equiped with the newest technology. Materials and Methods During this experiment, the Biograph Truepoint 40 (siemens, USA) installed in 2007 and mCT 64 (siemens, USA) installed in 2011 were used and evaluated NECR (noise-equivalent counting rate) by using a scatter phantom. For the image quality evaluation of each scanner, we injected 3.7, 4.44 and 5.18 MBq/kg of $^{18}F$-FDG in NEMA IEC Body Phantom and also evaluated SNR between two scanners by using the data acquired at 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120 sec per bed. For the clinical evaluation, actual data of patients who were injected $^{18}F$-FDG 3.7, 4.44, 5.18 MBq/kg were used to compare SNR and draw a final result. Results As a result, mCT 64 peak NECR value was 1.65e+005, which is 10% higher than Turepoint 40. SNR values using the IEC body phantom was 17.9%, 17.4% and 17.1% higher in $^{18}F$-FDG 3.7 MBq/kg, 4.44 MBq/kg and 5.18 MBq/kg. In clinical patients, SNR values of the image mCT 64 was 16.5, which is 25% higher than Turepoint 40 scanner. Conclusion To draw a conclusion from the test result of this experiment, the same quality of SNR could be attained even with 10% reduced injection dose, if when the duration is extended by 10 sec/bed. This optimal result was possible due to enhanced equipment. The NECR (one of the equipment's performance assessment criteria for the scanner) increased by 10% and the SNR (one of the image quality assessment criteria) also increased by 17.5%. Therefore, we can expect to reduce the injection dose without deterioration of image quality. In consequence, it will also help to decrease the patient's anxiety of the radiation exposure.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.21-24
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• 1983

The thickness of the part being irradiated is finite. Percent depth dose tables being used routinely are generally obtained from dosimetry in a phantom much thickner than usual patient. At or close to exit surface, the dose should be less than that obtained from the percent depth dose tables, because of insufficient volume for backscattering. To know the difference between the true absorbed dose and the dose obtained from percent depth dose table, the doses at or close to the exit surface were measured with plate type ionization chamber with volume of 0.5ml. The results are as follows; 1. In the case of $^{60}Co$, percent depth dose at a given depth increases with underlying phantom thickness up to the 5cm. 2. In the case of $^{60}Co$, the dose correction factor at exit surface which is less than 1, increases with part thickness and decreases with field size. 3. Exposure time may not be corrected when the part above 10cm in thickness is treated by $^{60}Co$. 4. In the case of 10MV x-ray, the dose correction factor is nearly 1 and constant for the underlying phantom thickness and field size, so the correction of monitor unit is not necessary for part thickness.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.7 no.6
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• pp.383-387
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• 2013

Diagnostic imaging systems play a critical role in obtaining anatomical images, which increases the frequency of inspection all over the world. However the likelihood that patients are exposed to relatively high radiation dose increases, which may lead to an increase of patient dose due to unnecessary radiation exposure unless appropriate management is accompanied. Thus the revised edition of IEC 60601-2-44 which is constancy tests for CT equipment which is designated as special medical equipment and is subject to safety management was studied. The results suggested the 3rd has been revised rationally in order to overcome the limitations in the 2nd by adopting clear and enhanced references, which implies the replacement of IEC 60601-2-44 2nd edition with IEC 60601-2-44 3rd will prevent the patients from the harm from improper medical equipment.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.9 no.6
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• pp.337-342
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• 2015

The one-year-follow-up test of abdomen/pelvis from 10 patients who were scanned more than twice a years were analyzed the radiation dose and image quality depend on the position of the arm retrospectively from January to December in 2013. There were classified two groups, group A was examined with raising an arm on standard position and group B was performed with lowering an arm, respectively. Group A of an average mAs from the first dose amount was shown 11.4% less compared to Group B. And the value of CTDI from Group B also was investigated 11.3% less. To compare the quality comparison of the second image as histogram value, the value of max from both of two groups was measured similarly. However, a big difference was shown from the value of min and SD, the short dose was appeared depends on the position of arm even though Group A was radiated more than Group B. Less exposure to the medical image quality only by working CT scan when the examiner actively raise the arm before the development and testing of high-end equipment introduction of complex algorithms for obtaining an optimized image will be provided to the patient.