What is the best kV value to use in mammography to reduce the absorbed dose to the breast?
That is not really the appropriate question! The better question is ‘what is the best kV value to provide the necessary image contrast and visibility with the lowest possible radiation absorbed dose to the breast?’ The consideration for image information must come first. The kV value that provides the optimum balance between image information (visibility of the signs of cancer) and absorbed dose depends on the compressed size and density of the breast and will generally be in the range of 24 to 32. If the kV is set too low for a specific breast size or density the breast will not be properly penetrated and the dose will be higher than necessary. If the kV is too high then the contrast and, therefore the visibility, will be reduced. To ensure the necessary image quality with the lowest possible dose, mammography should be performed by highly qualified radiographers with the ability to evaluate each patient’s breast and then select the optimum kV and other exposure parameters.
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