CT Scanners Calibration Method

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Short Description    Researchers at the University of Iowa have developed a novel calibration method for energy modified calcium scoring. This technology is a method to calibrate existing and newly manufactured CT scanners to successfully provide effective low-energy calcium scans that eliminate background issues. This calibration is achieved using cadaver coronary arteries in paraffin casts, which are scanned by each device, and used to zero it. There is also a software component that includes the historic cadaver readings and automatically incorporates the elimination of background noise, thus allowing the CT device to effectively use 80-100kV energy settings to produce clinically useful calcium scan data. Background Information Heart scans, also known as coronary calcium scans, provide pictures of the heart’s arteries. Coronary calcium scans use computed tomography (CT) to check for build-up of calcium in plaque on the walls of the arteries. Doctors use heart scans to look for calcium deposits in the coronary arteries that can narrow arteries and increase risk of heart attack. This test is used to check for heart disease in an early stage and to determine its severity, before the patient has any obvious symptoms. Currently, calcium scans use 120kV of energy to resolve the location of calcium build up. University of Iowa researchers have discovered that energy can be decreased to 80kV while still producing a viable scan, which puts the patient exposure on par with a mammogram or chest x-ray. If a more acceptable radiation level can be achieved for this highly descriptive diagnostic test, it may be employed more often in the clinic. Benefits Lower levels of radiation; Increased patient safety; Potential for increased clinical utilisation of diagnostic tool.