Estimation of Semi Automatic versus Automatic Choice Methods on Breast Dose

In order to improve the image quality, the protocol for semi automatic choice of technical parameters on SIEMENS Mamomat 3 was optimized. The radiographers chose kVp parameter depending on breast size and type. At the same time, in clinical use was another mammography machine, HOLOGIC Affinity, with automatic selection of beam quality and the same film/screen combination. An opportunity was used to estimate the impact of the beam quality choice of dose. Dose Surveys were done for 199 exposures performed with semi automatic, and for other 295 exposures performed with automatic selection of technical parameters. A correlation was found between ESAK - breast thickness and ESAK-kVp, ESAK-mAs for both mammography machines. Correlations between MGD and thickness, MGD -kVp and MGD-mAs were done as well. The results show that there are higher correlations ESAK – breast thickness and ESAK – kVp for semi automatic than for the automatic selection of the technical parameters. The same conclusion is valid for MGD – breast thickness and MGD-kVp correlation.