The recycled aluminum use in quality beam evaluation

The progress in radiology and the need of optimal images to reach the best diagnostics results with the resources that exist obligate the implantation of programs of quality assurance. These programs are very important to assure the best image and the lower dose in the irradiated patients. One of the tests made is the quality beam evaluation, done evaluating the half value layer of aluminum of the beam. The X-ray production generates a great amount of heat that damages the anode reducing the energy average of the beam. The X-rays of low energy increase the patient dose of radiation, so this test is very important to assure the radiation dose is as low as reasonably achievable. The recommendation is to use aluminum with purity between 99,0% and 99,99% for this test. This research pretend to show that the lower purity of recycled aluminum does not disable it to make the test. The attenuation of the recycled and high purity aluminum was compared showing the concordance of the measures. The homogeneity of the recycled material was also tested. The leaving of high purity aluminum use in Half Value Layer (HVL) test will turn the costs cheaper, once the HVL test kit is sold by US$ 105,00 plus tax, so alternative method can be developed for the optimization of costs without quality criteria loss. (author)