Physical, performance, and dosimetric characteristics of the delta-Scan 50 whole-body/brain scanner.

The delta-Scan 50 computed tomographic (CT) scanner has the ability to determine x-ray attenuation coefficients with a precision ranging from 0.3 to 2.6% depending upon such factors as patient size and scan diameter. Resolution is 20-80% greater than the pixel width, with values ranging from 1.2 to 2.1 mm. The collimating system determines certain characteristics of the image and affects the dose to the patient: doses for typical procedures are on the order of 1 rad, and gonadal doses are in the millirad range. Potential improvements are discussed.