Use of ITS to develop a methodology for determining mammographic X-ray spectrum end-point energies

Quality control of mammography is very important. The kilovoltage across the X-ray tube affects low-level contrast and image quality, which are important in detecting masses and calcifications in mammography. Creating an easily reproducible method to determine the end-point energy, or peak kilovoltage, of the X-ray beam is important to provide consistent, high standards for all mammography units. Currently, the end-point energy is routinely measured at all mammography sites, but different measuring devices and methods are used. Use of a phantom, or test object, which records the results on film for centralized analysis of the end-point energy would be useful. A phantom with foils of different elements and various thicknesses embedded in acrylic is proposed for use with the film as a detector to determine the end-point energy