(AC) The attenuation correction is usually applied to achieve count rate values independent from tissue densities.

Natural background radiation originates from radioactive elements in the environment, including food, water, soil and rock (also building materials), the atmosphere and cosmic rays. The level of natural exposure to radiation can vary greatly between different locations. In the US, the average annual exposure from natural sources to humans is about 3 mSv (millisievert) corresponding to 0.3 rem. Radon gas accounts for two-thirds of this exposure.
Background radiation may also interfere with measurements. Background radiation includes radioactive contamination of samples or incomplete absorption of radiation in a detector.

(Bq) Becquerel is the system international (SI) since 1985 new unit of radioactivity. 1 becquerel is equal to 1 disintegration per second.
1 Bq = 0.027 x10^-9 Ci (Curie).
In medicine and radiation protection the SI measurement units of becquerel, gray and sievert (should) have replaced the conventional units of curie, rad and rem.

To convert:


See also Gray, Sievert, Roentgen Equivalent In Man, Radiation Absorbed Dose, Count and Becquerel Antoine Henri.

A calibration is a correction procedure that determines the relationship between the measured output of a system and the reference standard. Calibration procedures include scanning air or an appropriate test phantom.
The calibration of a CT system takes account of variations in beam intensity or detector efficiency in order to achieve best homogeneity within the field of view and the accuracy of CT numbers.

See also Calibration Factor and Acceptance Checking.

A colonoscopy is an examination of the colon. To visualize the inner surface of the bowel, a lighted, flexible tubular instrument is inserted through the rectum. A conventional colonoscopy may take up to 2 hours counting recovery time from an often necessary sedation.
A virtual colonoscopy offers this sight into the body without this discomfort.

See Virtual Colonoscopy.