Evaluation of the Influence on the Use of Additional Filtration in Pelvic Radiographic Examinations Using a Phantom Object

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to determine the effect of additional filtration on the image quality and dose reduction in pelvic radiographic examinations. Study Design:  Mention the design of the study here. Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted at a municipal emergency service radiology department in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Methodology: Using a simulator object to replicate clinical examination conditions. The radiographic equipment was fitted with aluminum, copper, and copper-aluminum composition filters to identify the optimal filtration for reducing radiation doses and maintaining image quality. Results: Results showed that filtration effectively reduced dose and average absorbed dose in internal organs, with the greatest reduction observed with the copper filter. However, excessive filtration resulted in a decrease in image quality, particularly with the copper filter. The Figure of Merit (FOM) demonstrated that keeping the electrical factors of the X-ray tube consistent (70 kVp and 32 mAs) and using an additional 2.5 mmAl filter could optimize pelvic radiographic examinations, based on the diagnostic IQ criteria established by the service. Conclusion: In conclusion, the FOM revealed that using additional filtration of 2.5 mmAl and maintaining the X-ray tube's electrical factors at 70 kVp and 32 mAs could reduce the KERMA in air by 49.8% in the patient, 41.5% in the testes, 35.5% in the bladder, 30.4% in the ovaries, 29.7% in the bone marrow, and 35.3% in the total effective dose of the examination, while maintaining equivalent image quality.