A preliminary study of the measurement of slice-width dose profiles (SWDP) on diagnostic x-ray CT scanners using PAGAT polymer gel dosimeters with optical CT read-out

Abstract

The slice-width dose profile (SWDP) is a measurement undertaken during acceptance testing and subsequent quality assurance measurements of diagnostic x-ray CT scanners for the determination, of patient dose. In a previous study (Hill B, Venning A J and Baldock C 2005 Med. Phys. 32 1589-1597) normoxic polymer gel dosimeters were used to measure dose, the SWDP and subsequently calculate computer tomography dose index (CTDI) during acceptance testing of a CT scanner. In the current study, a preliminary investigation was undertaken to determine the SWDP of a diagnostic x-ray CT scanner using the PAGAT polymer gel dosimeters with optical CT read-out.