Study of diagnostic reference levels for digital mammography in the Radiology Department, Surat Thani Hospital

Abstract

Background: Mammography can detect breast cancer at an early stage, even before symptoms appear. However, breast tissue is sensitive to radiation, so it is crucial to use an appropriate amount of radiation. To ensure compliance with diagnostic reference levels are established as guidelines.

Objective: To determine the diagnostic reference levels for digital mammography at the Radiology Department of Surat Thani Hospital.

Methodology: This was a retrospective study collecting data from patients at the Radiology Department of Surat Thani Hospital between April 1, 2024, and July 31, 2024. A quota sampling method was used to select 50 cases per month, totaling 200 cases, and 800 mammography images. The collected data included age, breast compression thickness, compression force, maximum kilovolt peak, exposure time current, average glandular dose, entrance surface dose, type of target and filter, and positioning. Data were recorded and analyzed using statistical methods.

Results: The average age of the participants receiving digital mammography was 52.25 years. The average breast compression thickness was 51.38±7.19 mm, and the average compression force was 68.14±21.38 Newtons. The average maximum kVp was 28.30±1.14 kVp, while the average exposure time current was 119.99±25.98 mAs. The median average glandular dose at the breast was 1.51 milligray (mGy).

Conclusion: The diagnostic reference levels for digital mammography at the Radiology Department of Surat Thani Hospital is 1.51 milligray, which is within an optimization. This dose is lower than the National Diagnostic Reference Levels (NDRLs) for Thailand and the recommended dose levels set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which are 2.04 milligray and 3.0 milligray, respectively.