Thermoluminescent dosimeters for in vivo measurement of radiation exposure and related dose in mammography.

Most methods of radiation exposure evaluation in mammography concentrate on in vitro determination. One method has evolved using thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) for in vivo determination, yet on a mail order basis. Presented here is the development of a procedure for preparing and using TLDs to measure entrance skin exposure (ESE) and mammographic unit output consistency that was adapted for implementation within a hospital setting. Using published correction factors and absorbed dose data, the estimated midbreast dose was calculated from the ESE obtained. A two-view examination resulted in an average ESE of 2198 mR per breast and an average midbreast dose of 177 mRad. This procedure is feasible for assessing ESE and dose in mammography.