ASSESSMENT OF BLURRING EFFECT AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS BY USING IMAGEJ: A MULTIPARAMETER DOUBLE HOLES CONTRAST-DETAIL PHANTOM STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: X-ray is produced in form of divergent beam. The beam
divergence results to blurring effect that influences image diagnosis. Thus, the
blurring effect assessment should be enrolled within the quality control (QC)
program of an imaging unit.
Method: this study is conducted by using multiparameter double holes
contrast-detail (MDHCD) phantom to define the blurring effect and its
associated factors which include the source-to-image receptor distance (SID),
object thickness, and object distance from center. This study was conducted by
exposing the phantom with x-ray where the factors were manipulated. ImageJ
software was used to analyze the phantom images by plotting pixel intensity
curves and measuring area under the curves (AUC) of two areas (area 1 and
area 2).
Results: From the result, increased SID (750-1250-1750) mm, decreases the AUC
reading (area 1; 415-328-306, area 2; 454-339-308) Pixel-per-millimeter (Ppmm).
When object thickness increases (13-18-23) mm, AUC increases (area 1; 262-321-
349, area 2; 274-333-386) Ppmm. Lastly, when the distance from center is
increased (50-100-150) mm, AUC increases (area 1; 401-438-449, area 2; 459- 477-
487) Ppmm.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the blurring effect is more prominent as the SID
decreases and the object thickness and distance from center increase.