Radiation Dose and Image Quality with Exposure Factor Variation Using a Virtual Grid in Digital Radiography

Abstract

Digital radiography technology provides many advantages. However, there are still frequent repetitions of inspections due to failure to determine the exposure factor due to a decrease in image quality. Virtual Grid is a digital radiographic image processing technology that converts image quality that is deteriorating due to X-ray scattering to better image quality by reducing the effects of X-ray scattering. Application of a virtual grid can contribute to improving image quality and increasing the procedural efficiency of the workflow in a radiographic examination. This study uses a research-experimental design, with a One-Shot Case Study. The sample selection of 60 samples was carried out randomly by judgmental or purposive sampling. The sampling technique was carried out with specific considerations for the research objectives to determine the optimal exposure factor by using a virtual grid for the skull, lumbar, and pelvic radiographic examinations. Then, it was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively visually by three radiologists—a bivariate analysis of data using one-way ANOVA. Qualitative analysis was carried out as well as a test. Feel free to assess the agreement of the informants. Results In the quantitative and qualitative analysis, the exposure factor and the ideal virtual grid ratio for optimization are skull AP: 106 kV, 2 mAs, ratio 14:1, skull lateral: 106 kV, 1.25 mAs, ratio 14:1, skull lumbar AP: 106 kV, 4 mAs, ratio 14:1, skull lumbar lateral: 113 kV, 6.3 mAs, 10:1 ratio, and pelvis AP: 92 kV, 8 mAs, 14:1 ratio.