The measurement of entrance surface dose using optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters for determining average glandular dose in digital breast tomosynthesis: Measurement and simulation study

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLDs), nanoDots, for the determination of an average glandular dose (AGD) with a specific digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) system, whereas the X-ray tube was fixed (2D mode) and moved (3D mode). The entrance surface air kerma (ESAK) was measured by placing the nanoDots on the surface of a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) phantom with 25, 28, and 34 kV W/Rh techniques. The experimental setup of the ESAK measurement was simulated using a Monte Carlo simulation code to determine the ESAK and the backscatter factor (BSF). The AGD was calculated by dividing the ESAK values over the corresponding BSF factors for each PMMA phantom thickness and multiplying the AGD conversion factors. The AGD determination by the nanoDots variated within ±5% for both 2D and 3D modes, compared to those determined using an ionization chamber. The results were similarly observed for the simulation, except for the 25 kV on the 3D mode. Regarding the International Atomic Energy Agency technical reports series number 457, the nanoDots can be used for the AGD determination with realistic 2D and 3D image acquisitions based on ±10% uncertainty.

Keywords: Monte Carlo simulation; average glandular dose; mammography; nanoDot.