Assessment of scatter radiation dose received by comforters and carers during digital breast tomosynthesis mammography

INTRODUCTION: Mammographic imaging can cause considerable stress and anxiety for some patients and may require someone to remain in the room during the procedure to provide both physical and emotional support. As such, these comforters and carers (C&C) are exposed to ionising radiation. Limited evidence is available stating the radiation dose received during a digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) examination. This research aims to determine the optimal standing position for a C&C in the mammography room during a DBT mammogram that results in the lowest radiation dose, whilst providing high‐quality imaging, care and comfort to the patient. METHODS: A scatter detector was used to measure the dose at different standing positions of the carer relative to the patient during an examination. A polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) phantom was also used to model the patient's breast and torso for further scatter dose measurements. RESULTS: The median air kerma for craniocaudal views posterior to the patient is 0.75 μGy compared with 10.1 μGy to either side. The median air kerma for mediolateral oblique views for posterolateral position is 0.41 μGy compared with 2.6 μGy anterolateral. No significant effect from breast density is noted from the dataset. CONCLUSION: The optimal position for the C&C to stand is directly behind the patient in the craniocaudal position, and as far as possible posterolateral to the breast being imaged in the mediolateral oblique position. These two positions will result in the least radiation dose to the C&C.