Mobile measurement setup according to IEC 62220-1-2 for DQE determination on digital mammography systems

摘要

The international standard IEC 62220-1-2 defines the measurement procedure for determination of the detective quantum efficiency (DQE) of digital x-ray imaging devices used in mammography. A mobile setup complying to this standard and adaptable to most current systems was constructed in the Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen to allow for an objective technical comparison of current full field digital mammography units employed in mammography screening in Germany. This article demonstrates the setup's capabilities with a focus on the measurement uncertainties of all quantities contributing to DQE measurements. Evaluation of uncertainties encompasses results from measurements on a Sectra Microdose Mammography in clinical use, as well as on a prototype of a Fujifilm Amulet system at various radiation qualities. Both systems have a high spatial resolution of 50 μm ×50μm. The modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectrum (NPS) and DQE of the Sectra MDM are presented in comparison to results previously published by other authors.