Abstract

ROMERO ACOSTA, Andy L.  and  GUTIERREZ LORES, Stefan. Automated calibration of dosimeters used in radiotherapy . Nucleus [online]. 2013, n.54, pp.23-28. ISSN 0864-084X.

Traceability, accuracy and consistency of radiation measurements are essential in radiation dosimetry, particularly in radiotherapy, where the outcome of treatments is highly dependent on the radiation dose delivered to patients. Calibration of dosimeters for external beam radiotherapy includes current and charge measurements, which are often repetitive. However, these measurements are usually done using modern electrometers, which are equipped with an RS-232 interface that enables instrument control from a computer. This paper presents an automated system aimed to the measurements for the calibration of dosimeters used in radiotherapy. A software application was developed, in order to achieve the acquisition of the charge values measured, calculation of the calibration coefficient and issue of a calibration certificate. A primary data report file is filled and stored in the computer hard disk. The calibration method used was calibration by substitution. By using this software tool, a better control over the calibration process is achieved and the need for human intervention is reduced. The automated system has been used for the calibration of dosimeters used in radiotherapy at the Cuban Secondary Standard Dosimetry Laboratory of the Center for Radiation Protection and Hygiene.

Keywords : calibration; radiotherapy; automation; laboratories; dosemeters.

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