Use of the detective quantum efficiency in a quality assurance program

I. A. Cunningham

doi:10.1117/12.773190

18 March 2008 Use of the detective quantum efficiency in a quality assurance program

I. A. Cunningham

Proceedings Volume 6913, Medical Imaging 2008: Physics of Medical Imaging; 69133I (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.773190
Event: Medical Imaging, 2008, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Radiology quality assurance programs are designed to ensure certain levels of image quality are maintained with imaging equipment. The detective quantum efficiency (DQE), expressed as a function of spatial frequency, is a direct measure of system performance and "dose efficiency" that is objective, quantitative and widely accepted by the scientific community. We have implemented a QA program in a tertiary care hospital in which both the DQE and modulation transfer function (MTF) are measured as part of a routine QA program. The DQE, MTF and system gain were measured bi-monthly over a 12-month evaluation period. Measurements of DQE were compliant with IEC62220-1 recommendations. In the past year, no significant deterioration in DQE or MTF of any system was observed. However, large differences in DQE and MTF were observed between different detector technologies. It is anticipated that routine monitoring of DQE could provide early warning of system failures or problems requiring service intervention, but no problems were experienced during the evaluation period.

Citation Download Citation

I. A. Cunningham "Use of the detective quantum efficiency in a quality assurance program", Proc. SPIE 6913, Medical Imaging 2008: Physics of Medical Imaging, 69133I (18 March 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.773190

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