Optimisation of Source to Image Distance in Diagnostic Radiology

This study aimed to determine the optimum source to
image distance (SID) for key radiographic
projections, in diagnostic radiology. Three
secondary aims were to determine the effect of
changes in SID on the amount of scattered radiation
at the image receptor, to determine the effect of
changes in SID on the radiation dose to the patient
and to assess any effects of changes in SID on the
quality of the images. The study was performed using
Monte Carlo simulation, employing EGSnrcMP and PCXMC.
The Monte Carlo codes were benchmarked against
independent experimental studies and shown to give
excellent agreement. The conclusion was that for
imaging of the trunk, other than the chest, the use
of an SID of 150 cm will enable optimization of doses
to patients. To optimize image quality and patient
dose, a number of recommendations are made for
technological improvements and for clinical practice.

Autorentext

Dr John Poletti has an MSc in Nuclear Physics from the Universityof Auckland, and a PhD in Radiology Physics from the Universityof Sydney. Formerly he was a Scientist at the National RadiationLaboratory in Christchurch, New Zealand. He is currently a SeniorLecturer at Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.

Klappentext

This study aimed to determine the optimum source toimage distance (SID) for key radiographicprojections, in diagnostic radiology. Threesecondary aims were to determine the effect ofchanges in SID on the amount of scattered radiationat the image receptor, to determine the effect ofchanges in SID on the radiation dose to the patientand to assess any effects of changes in SID on thequality of the images. The study was performed usingMonte Carlo simulation, employing EGSnrcMP and PCXMC.The Monte Carlo codes were benchmarked againstindependent experimental studies and shown to giveexcellent agreement. The conclusion was that forimaging of the trunk, other than the chest, the useof an SID of 150 cm will enable optimization of dosesto patients. To optimize image quality and patientdose, a number of recommendations are made fortechnological improvements and for clinical practice.