engleski

Comparison of double dosimetry algorithms for estimating the effective dose in occupational dosimetry of interventional radiology staff

"Double dosimetry" i.e. measurement with two dosemeters, one located above and one under the protective apron, has been recommended in interventional radiology (IR) for the determination of effective dose to the staff. Several algorithms have been developed for the calculation of effective dose from the readings of the two dosemeters, but there is no international consensus on what is the best algorithm. In this work, a few most recent algorithms have been tested in typical IR conditions. The effective dose and personnel dosemeter readings were obtained experimentally by using thermoluminescent (TL) dosemeters in and on a Rando-Alderson phantom provided with a lead apron. In addition, the effective dose and personnel dosemeter readings were calculated by a Monte Carlo method for the same irradiation geometry. The results suggest that most of the algorithms are overestimating effective dose in the selected IR conditions, but there is also a risk of underestimation by using the least conservative algorithms. Two of the algorithms seem to comply best with the chosen criteria of performance, i.e. no under-estimation, minimum overestimation and close estimation of effective dose in typical IR conditions. However, it might not be justified to generalize the results. It is recom-mended that whenever the personnel doses approach or exceed the dose limit, the IR conditions should be further investigated and the possibility of over- or underestimation of effective dose by the algorithm used should be considered.

double dosimetry ; effective dose ; occupational dosimetry ; interventional radiology

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