For a slice thickness of 5mm or greater, what is the allowable variation in thickness?

When considering slice thickness in computed tomography (CT) imaging, maintaining consistency and precision is crucial for accurate imaging and diagnosis. For a slice thickness of 5mm or greater, a variation of +/- 1 mm is deemed acceptable. This standard allows for minor deviations in the actual slice thickness without significantly impacting the quality of the scan or the diagnostic utility of the images.

This acceptable range reflects a balance between precision in imaging and the practical limitations of imaging devices. If the variation were higher, such as +/- 2 mm or more, it could lead to alterations in image quality, reduced diagnostic confidence, and potential misinterpretation of results due to inconsistent slice profiles. Hence, the choice of +/- 1 mm ensures that while there is room for slight variations due to technical factors, the overall integrity of the imaging process is preserved.