EVALUATION OF DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY RADIATION DOSE WITH A NOVEL COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR DATA SCREENING

• Grant number: 16/25355-4
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Duration: June 01, 2017 - September 30, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Bioengineering
• Principal Investigator: Homero Schiabel
• Grantee: Homero Schiabel
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

International quality agencies regulators of X-ray systems, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), have recently implemented protocols for acceptance testing of digital mammography equipment and breast tomosynthesis, with purposes of establishing a quality standard in radiological services. However, the established guidelines are based on the use of phantoms with standardized thicknesses and compositions, which often do not match the population profiles of the diagnostic centers. Recent work developed in our group has produced a computer system to automatically track and manage data extracted from digital mammography image acquisition processes stored on a DICOM SCP (Service Class Provider) server. This system allows to prepare technical reports that characterize the exposure parameters regarding the AEC (automatic exposure control) of digital mammography and breast tomosynthesis systems. Early tests showed that the reference levels determined by international standards for breast composition and radiation dose do not match the reality of that population.Thus, the present proposal consists in the quantitative evaluation and dose characterization applied in several digital mammography units of diagnostic radiology centers collaborating with our team through the application of this computerized tracking system. In parallel, this evaluation will also be conducted with the use of dosimetry techniques and devices to compare the results presented by the system in order to refer it as a tool for quality evaluation of digital mammography facilities in terms of the indicative parameters for calibration of equipment and Administrative decision making for improving the respective radiological services. (AU)