Analysis of the Effects of kVp, mAs, and Filter on Radiation Dose and Digital Mammography Image Quality

Abstract

This study analyzes the influence of variations in tube voltage (kVp), tube current (mAs), and filter type on radiation dose and digital mammography image quality. Using simulated data, this study evaluated radiation dose and image quality based on visual detection of structures (fibers, microcalcifications, and masses) in a phantom. The results indicate that radiation dose increases with kVp and mAs, with the W/Al filter consistently yielding the highest dose, whereas the W/Ag filter yields lower doses. Image quality, assessed by the number of detected structures, also improved with increasing kVp and mAs, with the W/Al filter tending to provide better detail visibility than W/Ag. Although improved image quality often implies a higher radiation dose, the analysis found that the combination of 26 kVp, 100 mAs, and the W/Ag filter is optimal. This combination yields a relatively lower radiation dose (3.2 mGy) while still achieving good image quality with detected structures meeting diagnostic standards (4.5 fibers, 3.5 microcalcifications, and 4.0 masses). This research emphasizes the importance of balancing diagnostic image quality and patient dose protection in mammography practice.