Radiation dosimetry is the most important tool to monitor and verify that radiation medicine is performed safely and effectively. However, standardization of practice and comprehensive guidance is lacking in certain cases, especially in the field of diagnostic radiology. In 2007, the IAEA published a code of practice, Dosimetry in Diagnostic Radiology: An International Code of Practice, as Technical Reports Series No. 457 (TRS 457). TRS 457 recommends procedures for dosimetric measurement and calibration for the attainment of standardized dosimetry, and addresses requirements both in standards dosimetry laboratories and clinical centres for radiology, as found in most hospitals.
As technology is rapidly evolving, new techniques and equipment are brought into clinical practice, developing a gap in the established dosimetry procedures. CRP E21008 was motivated by the need to investigate dosimetry related topics that were not included in the TRS 457. New topics were identified and included in the research plan with an overall CRP objective to strengthen dosimetry practice in advanced topics, relevant to both Secondary Standards Dosimetry Laboratories (SSDLs) and clinical facilities. Some of the major activities of the CRP are briefly described below.
Development of Paediatric Dosimetry: Paediatric patients are of significant importance due to their increased life expectancy in relation with their high mitotic stage. Specific recommendations regarding paediatric dosimetry were developed within the framework of this activity, with the results being published in the Human Health Series No. 24 on Dosimetry in Diagnostic Radiology for Paediatric Patients.
SSDL activities including comparison of calibrations: This activity has been motivated by the identified fact that minor differences in the measurement methodologies among different laboratories can lead to significant changes in the calibration results. Extensive intercomparisons were initiated, extending beyond the CRP participants in collaboration with relevant international partners. Extensive work was realised and published on the calibration of Air Kerma – Area Product Meters, which had only partially been reported previously.
Dosimetry procedures for the determination of skin dose:? Although Entrance Air Kerma measurement methodologies have been covered in the content of TRS 457, alternative ways of directly approximating the skin dose, especially in high dose procedures such as angiography, had not been included. The validation of the accuracy and fidelity of modern gafchromic films for the estimation of skin dose was evaluated as part of this activity.
Overall, the project was implemented as scheduled, producing important guidelines and strengthening collaborations between participants. However, the constant evolution of medical imaging makes advanced dosimetry a field of continuous relevance where updates are constantly required to keep up with changing technology requirements.
Researchers from Australia, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, the Czech Republic, Finland, Greece, Italy, Serbia, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United Republic of Tanzania participated in this CRP.
For more information, please see the CRP description:
http://www.dgdingfa.net/projects/crp/e21008
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