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Updated: May 26, 2026
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Clinical Imaging of Microwave Mammography
Published on: November 14, 2025
[Precision of half-value layer measurement on mammography]
Rie Ishii1, Akira Yoshida, Mie Ishii
1Division of Clinical Radiology, Tottori University Hospital.
Nihon Hoshasen Gijutsu Gakkai Zasshi
|December 22, 2011
Summary
Accurate mammography requires precise half-value layer (HVL) measurements. This study identified factors like aluminum attenuator thickness and detector type that significantly influence HVL, crucial for calculating average glandular dose and radiation risk.
Area of Science:
- Medical Physics
- Radiological Imaging
Context:
- The half-value layer (HVL) is a critical parameter in mammography, influencing both image quality and radiation risk assessment.
- Accurate computation of average glandular dose relies heavily on precise HVL index determination.
Purpose:
- To investigate the impact of various factors on HVL measurements for improved average glandular dose calculations.
- To identify and quantify variations in HVL due to attenuator properties, detector characteristics, X-ray output stability, and measurement location.
Summary:
- Variations in aluminum attenuator thickness (up to 20% thicker than nominal) and filter sets (up to 5% difference) were observed.
- Reducing X-ray output fluctuation via dose monitoring significantly decreased HVL value standard deviation from 1.114% to 0.105%.
- Solid-state detectors yielded statistically thicker HVL values compared to ionization chambers, and detector location influenced HVL measurements, with significant differences noted for specific mammography systems.
Impact:
- Highlights the need for stringent quality control of mammography equipment and measurement protocols.
- Provides essential data for refining methodologies in mammographic dosimetry and radiation safety assessments.
- Contributes to more accurate patient dose estimations and optimized imaging practices in mammography.
