Fact or fiction : an analysis of the 10 kVp ‘rule’ in computed
radiography

Allen, E; Hogg, P; Ma, KM; Szczepura, K

Abstract

Purpose: To determine whether increasing the tube voltage by 10 kVp whilst reducing the tube current by
50% (10 kVp ‘rule’) produces similar perceptual image quality.
Method: 391 matched pairs of anthropomorphic chest phantom X-ray images were produced on
a computed radiography (CR) system. Five experienced clinicians graded the images using a 2 alternative
forced choice comparison method. Based on acquisition parameters and dose area product (DAP)
readings, effective dose (E) was calculated for all images using dose calculation software.
Results: Perceptual image quality scores prior to and following application of the 10 kVp ‘rule’ were found
have no statistical difference (p > 0.1), indicating that the increase in kVp and reduction in mAs had limited impact on the perceptual image quality. In all cases E reduced, with an average 36% (s.d 7%) after the ‘rule’ had been applied (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Results demonstrate that application of the 10 kVp ‘rule’ significantly reduces E, with no significant reduction in perceptual image quality. Further research should be conducted for a range of examinations using CR and digital radiography (DR) systems.

Citation

radiography. Radiography, 19(3), 223-227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2013.05.003

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Aug 1, 2013
• Deposit Date: Oct 8, 2013
• Journal: Radiography
• Print ISSN: 1078-8174
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 19
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 223-227
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2013.05.003
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2013.05.003
• Related Public URLs: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/radiography/