The development and implementation of the detective quantum efficiency metric in a clinical environment.

Development and application of a practical DQE protocol for routine use by medical physicists during assessment of digital radiography systems. J. McFadden, M. Donoghue, E House, B. Tuohy. Measurement of the Detective Quantum Efficiency (DQE) of a DR detector provides a more quantitative assessment of the imaging performance of a system in comparison to the very subjective assessments traditionally used by medical physicists “in the field”. Although commonly used by the system manufacturers, the method has yet to be widely incorporated into quality assurance (QA) protocols in Irish hospitals. We will report in this paper on the findings from a project which aimed to adapt the IEC-62220 industrial DQE standard for a clinical environment. Results from our studies on the influence of DQE software algorithm chosen, variations in image acquisition and processing methods will be presented and explored. Development of the technique involved a compromise between the Industry standard IEC method and the practical limitations of time and equipment availability experienced by medical physicists in the field. Following adaptation of the Industry standard DQE approach, a practical methodology, which can be applied to any general radiography DR detector, allows medical physicists in the field to incorporate DQE assessment in their annual DR system assessment. A number of problems and challenges encountered during the project will be explored and the salient findings will be presented. In conclusion, a novel adaptation of an industry standard DQE technique developed by our group is shown to be appropriate for use in a clinical environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]