Accuracy and calibration of integrated radiation output indicators in diagnostic radiology: A report of the AAPM Imaging Physics Committee Task Group 190.

Due to the proliferation of disciplines employing fluoroscopy as their primary imaging tool and the prolonged extensive use of fluoroscopy in interventional and cardiovascular angiography procedures, "dose-area-product" (DAP) meters were installed to monitor and record the radiation dose delivered to patients. In some cases, the radiation dose or the output value is calculated, rather than measured, using the pertinent radiological parameters and geometrical information. The AAPM Task Group 190 (TG-190) was established to evaluate the accuracy of the DAP meter in 2008.

CT outperforms radiographs at a comparable radiation dose in the assessment for spondylolysis.

Background: Lumbar spondylolysis, a unilateral or bilateral fracture at pars interarticularis, is a common cause of low back pain in children. The initial imaging study in the diagnosis of lumbar spondylolysis has historically been lumbar spine radiographs; however, radiographs can be equivocal or false-negative. Definitive diagnosis can be achieved with computed tomography (CT), but its use has been limited due to the dose of ionizing radiation to the patient.

SU-E-I-103: Detecting Anomalous Pixels and Correlated Artifacts in Digital Detectors from Flat-Field Images.

Purpose: Anomalous pixels may be defined as those pixels whose exposure response relationship is deviant from the typical, expected or calibrated response. A group of anomalous pixels may Result in visible correlated artifacts. Here we demonstrate an approach to identify anomalous pixels and correlated artifacts using flat-field images.

SU-E-I-101: Initial Implementation and Evaluation of AAPM TG-150 Draft Image Receptor Non-Uniformity Testing Recommendations.

Purpose: To implement in software the procedures described in AAPM Task Group 150's draft recommendations for image receptor performance testing, and to evaluate the effectiveness and practicality of these procedures.

Methods: Images of flat fields were acquired using digital x-ray image receptors at 6 cooperating institutions. Four flat field images obtained with each detector spanned a range of input detector air kerma.

Pause and pulse: ten steps that help manage radiation dose during pediatric fluoroscopy.

Objective: The Image Gently Campaign of The Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging seeks to increase awareness of opportunities to lower radiation dose in the imaging of children. Pause and Pulse is the most recent phase of the campaign, addressing methods of dose optimization in pediatric fluoroscopy.

Conclusion: This article discusses 10 steps that can be taken for fluoroscopic dose optimization in pediatric diagnostic fluoroscopy.