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Published on: July 29, 2013
Mammography dosimetry using an in-house developed polymethyl methacrylate phantom
Reena Sharma1, Sunil Dutt Sharma, Y S Mayya
1Radiological Physics and Advisory Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, CT & CRS Building, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, India. rmks_sharma@yahoo.com
Radiation Protection Dosimetry
|January 11, 2012
Summary
A new polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) phantom was developed in India for mammography quality assurance. This locally made phantom effectively measures radiation dose and equipment performance, ensuring reliable mammograms.
Area of Science:
- Medical Physics
- Radiological Sciences
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Phantom-based measurements are crucial for mammography quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC).
- Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is a suitable material for simulating breast tissue in mammography.
- Developing indigenous QA/QC tools is essential for improving mammography services in India.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel mammographic PMMA phantom with thermoluminescence dosemeter (TLD) slots for QA/QC in India.
- To assess the suitability of the developed phantom for mammography dosimetry by comparing its radiation transmission properties with commercial phantoms.
- To measure key mammography parameters including breast entrance exposure (BEE), mean glandular dose (MGD), percentage depth dose (PDD), percentage surface dose distribution (PSDD), and test automatic exposure control (AEC) and density control functions.
Main Methods:
- A PMMA phantom with engraved TLD slots was developed for mammography QA/QC.
- Radiation transmission properties were compared with commercially available phantoms.
- Measurements of BEE, MGD, PDD, PSDD, AEC, and density control were performed using the developed phantom and LiF: Mg, Cu, P chips for dosimetry.
Main Results:
- The in-house PMMA phantom demonstrated comparable performance to commercial phantoms.
- Mean glandular dose (MGD) values derived from two methods showed a difference of 17.5-32.6%.
- The phantom enabled accurate measurements of dose distribution, AEC calibration, and density control, with optical density variations within acceptable limits.
Conclusions:
- The locally developed PMMA TLD slot phantom is a viable and effective tool for measuring essential mammography quality control parameters.
- This phantom can contribute to ensuring consistent image quality and accurate dosimetry in mammography.
- The study supports the use of indigenous phantoms for improving mammography outcomes and quality assurance in India.
