Toshiba America Medical Systems has introduced Real EC, an automatic exposure control feature designed to minimize radiation dose during CT scans. Real EC is available on the Tustin, CA-based firm's Aquilion and Asteion CT scanners.
Real EC uses the detector signal recorded during the scanogram, the digital projection radiograph used to plan the examination. A graph of the attenuation profile is displayed on the scanner's monitor, and the profile data is used to modify the x-ray tube current (mA) as helical image data is acquired. This allows image noise to be kept constant, according to Toshiba.
By varying the tube current according to patient attenuation, Toshiba says that significant dose reduction -- as much as 40% in some cases -- can be achieved. While applicable to all parts of the body, Real EC should be of particular benefit in pediatric examinations, according to the firm.
Operator options are included to provide control over the image quality and dose balance. High-Quality Mode follows the calculated attenuation profile, Low-Dose Mode allows the operator to further reduce dose by a percentage, and Manual Mode allows the technologist to normalize the attenuation profile to any selected noise level.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writersAugust 3, 2001
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