Francis Zarb

Prof. Francis Zarb

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

18Years (2009-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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1 September 2015 in Acta Biomaterialia
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
RGRuben Gatt
Ruben Gatt
MWMichelle Vella Wood
Michelle Vella Wood
AGAlfred Gatt
Alfred Gatt
Francis ZarbFrancis Zarb
Francis Zarb
Cynthia FormosaCynthia Formosa
Cynthia Formosa
Joseph N. GrimaJoseph N. Grima
Joseph N. Grima

1 May 2010 in Radiography
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
Francis ZarbFrancis Zarb
Francis Zarb
LRLouise Rainford
Louise Rainford
MMMark F McEntee
Mark F McEntee

31 May 2011 in Radiography
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
Francis ZarbFrancis Zarb
Francis Zarb
LRLouise Rainford
Louise Rainford
MMMark F McEntee
Mark F McEntee

23 March 2010 in Radiation Protection Dosimetry
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Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
Francis ZarbFrancis Zarb
Francis Zarb
LRLouise Rainford
Louise Rainford
MMMark F McEntee
Mark F McEntee
The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships among cross-sectional diameters, weight and computed tomography (CT) dose descriptors (CTDI and DLP) to identify which is best used as a measure for the establishment of DRLs in CT. Data (gender, weight, cross-sectional diameters, dose descriptors) from 56 adult patients attending for either a CT examination of the abdomen or chest was obtained from two spiral CT units using automatic milliampere modulation. The AP diameter was demonstrated as the main contributing factor influencing the dose in CT (CTDI: r2 = 0.269, p-value ≤0.001; DLP: r2 = 0.260, p-value ≤0.001) since it has a greater correlation with radiation dose than body weight and can thus be its substitute in dose-reduction strategies and establishment of DRLs. The advantages of using the AP diameter are that it can easily be measured prior to scanning or retrospectively from previous CT images. However, further studies on the practicality of this approach are recommended.


12 October 2011 in Radiation Protection Dosimetry
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
Francis ZarbFrancis Zarb
Francis Zarb
MMMark F McEntee
Mark F McEntee
LRLouise Rainford
Louise Rainford
This work recommends dose reference levels (DRLs) for abdomen, chest and head computerised tomography (CT) examinations in Malta as the first step towards national CT dose optimisation. Third quartiles volume CT dose index values for abdomen: 12.1 mGy, chest: 13.1 mGy and head: 41 mGy and third quartile dose-length product values for abdomen: 539.4, chest: 492 and head: 736 mGy cm–1 are recommended as Maltese DRLs derived from this first Maltese CT dose survey. These values compare well with DRLs of other European countries indicating that CT scanning in Malta is consistent with standards of good practice. Further work to minimise dose without affecting image quality and extending the establishment of DRLs for other CT examinations is recommended.