Dosimetry

Dosimetry is the scientific calculation and measurement of the radiation dose absorbed by the human body. This discipline is essential in the fields of radiological protection, radiation therapy, and nuclear industry.

Overview

Dosimetry is used to calculate the dose, the amount of energy deposited in a medium by ionizing radiation. It is expressed in terms of absorbed dose, equivalent dose, and effective dose. The SI unit for absorbed dose is the gray (Gy), for equivalent dose is the sievert (Sv), and for effective dose is also the sievert.

Types of Dosimetry

There are several types of dosimetry including:

• External Dosimetry: This is used when the radiation source is outside of the body. It is based on measurements with a dosimeter, or inferred from measurements made by other radiological protection instruments.

• Internal Dosimetry: This is used when the radioactive material is taken into the body. Internal dosimetry assessment relies on a variety of monitoring, bio-assay or radiation imaging techniques.

• Personal Dosimetry: This is used to estimate the dose received by an individual, usually a worker handling radioactive materials or working in a radiation environment.

Applications

Dosimetry is used in a variety of applications including:

• Radiation Therapy: In radiation therapy, dosimetry is used to calculate the correct dose of radiation to treat tumors while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.

• Radiological Protection: In radiological protection, dosimetry is used to calculate the dose received by workers and the public from exposure to radiation.

• Nuclear Industry: In the nuclear industry, dosimetry is used to calculate the dose received by workers and the public from exposure to radiation from nuclear power plants and other sources.

See Also

• Radiation
• Radiation Therapy
• Radiological Protection
• Nuclear Industry

Dosimetry Resources
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