DATASET/RAW DATA for manuscript titled "ESTABLISHING DIAGNOSTIC REFERENCE LEVELS IN DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY UNITS IN THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA"

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to evaluate radiation exposure and establish a baseline for Diagnostic Reference Levels in digital mammography using the diagnostic and screening examination data from eight state-managed mammography imaging centres/units in the Republic of North Macedonia. Mean Glandular Dose (MGD) was studied from about 30000 images from about 8000 studied cases by digital mammography. Several factors and parameters were considered, such as anode/filter combination, left and right breast in two projections each (craniocaudal (CC), mediolateral oblique (MLO)), compressed breast thickness (CBT), the X-ray tube voltage in kVp, X-ray tube current-time product in mAs, and the compression force. The overall MGD for all examinations subject to this study obtained from CC and MLO projections from both breasts were evaluated to be 1.34 mGy and 1.61 mGy, respectively. Median MGDs, minimum, and maximum, were calculated to be 1.15 mGy, 0.1 mGy, and 9.93 mGy, respectively. The 75th percentile of the MGD for CC acquisitions increased from 0.94 mGy to 3.67 mGy with the increase of the CBT from 0 to 120 mm (step 10 mm). Likewise, the 75th percentile of MGD for MLO acquisitions, increased from from 0.44 mGy to 4.91 mGy, depending on the CBT. The obtained figures of MGD versus CBT for breast thicknesses between 30 and 75 mm for the eight mammography units were compared with the Acceptable European (ACC), Achievable European (ACH), Belgian diagnostic reference levels and MGDs reported for other countries/regions. The results showed that the mean MGD values of seven of the eight Mammography units examined in total appear to be lower than those of ACC, ACH, and Belgian reference values. Only the MGD calculated for one of the eight examined units appeared higher than the ACC.