Evaluation of anti-scatter grid replacement software

Abstract

Objective: Anti-scatter grids have been used in radiography for a century. Whilst improving image quality by reducing scattered radiation from reaching the detector, anti-scatter grids also increase the radiation dose to the patient. In the last few years, software algorithms has been developed by multiple vendors that have been claimed to reduce or eliminate the requirement for anti-scatter grids in digital radiography (DR). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of this grid-less technology. Method: This scientific study evaluated one of these systems, investigating radiation dose and image quality by comparing antiscatter grid use vs grid-less technology vs no anti-scatter grid and no grid-less technology. 5 and 15 year old phantoms were used for testing. Entrance skin dose derived from dose area product was used as the radiation dose parameter. Results: Grid-less technology allowed for significant reductions in radiation dose whilst maintaining image quality by reducing the requirement for anti-scatter grids. Grid-less technology also allowed for improvements to image quality, whilst maintaining radiation dose for projections where anti-scatter grid use is not required. Conclusion: Grid-less technology has great potential in digital radiography to significantly reduce radiation dose to patients, or improve image quality.L6134701542016-12-05 <br />