Low exposure x-ray transmission measurements for contrast media detection with filtered x-rays

A feasibility study of X-ray transmission measurements for contrast media with less exposure using filtered X-rays and their energy information is described. Based on measurements of the energy spectra of La-filtered X-rays, sensitivity to the contrast media and the relative quantity of dose exposure of filtered X-rays as the ratio to white X-rays are shown. The dose exposure for the measurement of iodine contrast media is reduced by more than 50% with a 400 μm thick La filter. By using a filter with atomic number close to that of iodine such as Cs and Ba, a greater reduction in dose exposure with a smaller increase in the current of the X-ray tube is expected. (author)