Dose Optimization in Digital Radiography and Computed Tomography: An Essential  Guide

This publication looks to cover the two x-ray imaging modalities that are the major contributors to patient dose and therefore could provide the biggest impact on dose optimisation.

Within just six chapters, the book emphasises the influence a radiographer (technologist) can have by thoughtful, informed optimisation of digital radiography and CT. The author suggests this comes, predominantly, through the operator having a clear understanding of the technology and the difference that correct selection of local parameters can make. Encouragingly, it also recommends greater involvement of radiographers with dose management systems, as a tool for optimisation.

The volume opens with a chapter introducing the importance of optimisation and highlighting that patient doses are due primarily to local choices regarding technical parameters, rather than patient, institution or machine characteristics. These findings suggest that there is significant scope for local optimisation of doses to provide image quality of a consistent standard. Reassuringly, it also clearly distinguishes between simple dose reduction and the more rewarding aim of dose optimisation.

This is followed by two chapters outlining modern digital radiography techno-logy and then highlighting areas for optimisation and the potential impact various user selectable options can make to  dose and image quality. The subject coverage is comprehensive, with a useful reference list for further reading.

Chapters four and five do the same for CT, providing a brief but wide-ranging look at current CT technology, leading to valuable suggestions as to where and how optimisation might be applied.

Chapter six then outlines strategies for dose/image quality optimisation research and describes techniques that may be used, including assessment tools for clinical (observer) image quality.

The final chapter provides a useful set of in-depth review questions covering all of the preceding chapters, to confirm understanding. All the illustrations in the book do just that; they usefully complement the text and are not just page fillers.

I would recommend this book for all those operators looking to add value to the work they do and also to those involved in inspiring the next generation of radiographers.

To purchase this title at our discounted rate email: katherine@radmagazine.com.