Assessment of Occupational Radiation Exposure for Radiotherapy Healthcare Workers at Kenyatta National Hospital Using Thermoluminescence Dosimeter LiF:Mg,Ti

Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) is the largest public referral hospital with a comprehensive cancer treatment facility in East and Central Africa. Occupational radiation monitoring is a significant technique for demonstrating compliance of radiation regulatory limits. The objective of the study was to carry out assessment of occupational radiation exposure among radiotherapy personnel at KNH using thermoluminescence dosimeter, TLD. KNH staff were monitored using dosimeter type TLD-100 made of LiF:Mg,Ti, on monthly basis. The reader system used for analysis was Harshaw 8800. The measurement established the average monthly accumulated occupational personnel dose for KNH to be 0.21 mSv and 0.29 mSv for Hp (10) and Hp (0.07) respectively. The accumulated dose results were within the maximum acceptable dose of 1.67 mSv/month and 41.6 mSv/month for Hp (10) and Hp (0.07) respectively. The investigation results were higher than the acceptable public limit of 0.08 mSv/month. Moreover, incidences were noted where the fetus dose limit 0.42 was also exceeded. Evaluation of statistical dose exposure among doctors, nurses and radiographers’ measurement results were within ±0.02 mSv. The study established the average KNH occupational radiation exposure levels for both Hp (10) and Hp (0.07) were within the ICRU recommendation, validating radiation protection safe practice. Data analysis of healthcare workers did not indicate exposure trend biased to any healthcare profession. Hence radiation risk cut across all professional categories. It is recommended that Radiation Monitoring program be reviewed to include non-clinical staff who access the facility. Radiation reporting should not be limited to one facility, but reflect cases where workers are involved in multiple multiple jobs.

Gamma Dose Rate Measurements in Kuwait Using a Car-Borne GPS Integrated Dosimetric System

A mobile system comprising of a Geiger-Muller (GM) dosimeter connected with a smart phone was used for ambient gamma dose rate survey within the districts and on the roads within the state of Kuwait. While the dosimeter provides data on gamma dose rates, the smart phone provides the GPS navigation information and saves the data for subsequent analysis and mapping. The survey covered a total distance of about 2300 km within the country and 3117 data points were recorded to show the dose rate distribution on the map of Kuwait. The results show that the ambient dose rates in Kuwait range from 40 to 180 nSv.h-1 with a mean value of 103 nSv.h-1. The dosimetric system described has good potential as a tool for determining baseline background radiation dose rates in an area.

The study on optically stimulated luminescence dosimeter based on the SrS:Eu,Sm and CaS:Eu,Sm

With the increasing use of nuclear energy, there is a need for a wider range of efficient dosimeters for radiation detection and assessment. There has been a tremendous growth in the development of radiation detectors and devices in the past few decades. In recent years, the development of new materials for radiation dosimetry has progressed significantly. Alkaline earth sulfides （AES） have been known for a long time as excellent and versatile phosphor materials. In the present investigation, a number of phosphor samples such as mono-, binary and ternary sulfides of alkaline earths （II^a-VI^b） have been prepared and their TL properties have been studied with respect to exposure （x-ray） response and fading. In this paper, some results on SrS：Eu, Sm and CaS：Eu, Sm phosphors are presented. A type of novel OSL dosimeter is described. The dosimeter takes advantage of the characteristics of charge trapping materials SrS：Eu, Sm and CaS：Eu, Sm that exhibit optically stimulated luminescence （OSL）. The measuring range of the dosimeter is from 0.01 to 1000 Gy. The OSL dosimeters provide capability for remote monitoring radiation locations which are difficult to access and hazardous. This equipment is relatively simple, small in size and has low power consumption. The device is suitable for space radiation dose exploration. In addition, it also can be used in IC and other radiation occasions and has good prospects.

KCl:Eu^(2+) as a solar UV-C radiation dosimeter. Optically stimulated luminescence and thermoluminescence analyses

The KCI：Eu2＋ system response to UV-C was investigated by analyzing the optically stimulated luminescence （OSL） and ther- mo-luminescence （TL） signal produced by ultraviolet light exposure at room temperature. It was found that after UV-C irra.diation, OSL was produced on a wide band of visible wavelengths with decay time that varied by several orders of magnitude depending on the Eu2＋ aggregation state. In spite of the low intensity of solar UV-C reaching the Earth＇s surface in Madrid （40° N, 700 m a.s.1.）, it was possible to measure the UV-C radiation dose at 6：48 solar time by using the TL response of the KCI：Eu2＋ system and differentiate it from the ambient beta radiation dose.

Performance of a plastic scintillation fiber dosimeter based on different photoelectric devices

The photoelectric device of a scintillation dosimeter converts photons produced by radiation into an electrical signal.Its features directly determine the overall performance of the dosimeter.For a plastic scintillation fiber dosimeter(PSFD)with a current readout mode,systematic studies of the stability and light-dose response were performed for the photomultiplier tube(PMT),silicon photomultiplier(SiPM),avalanche photodiode(APD),and photodiode(PD).The temperature stability,long-term stability,repeatability,signal-to-noise ratio(SNR),and current dose response of the PSFD with the abovementioned photoelectric devices were studied using a pulsed LED light source and the Small Animal Radiation Therapy platform.An exponential relationship between the dark/ne current and temperature was obtained for all the devices.I is shown that the APD is the most sensitive device to temperature,with a current dependence on temperature reaching 6.5%C^(-1)at room temperature,whereas for the other devices this dependence is always<0:6%C^(-1).In terms of long-term stability,the net current of PD can change by up to 4%when working continuously for 8 h and 2%when working intermittently for 32 h,whereas for the other devices,the changes are all<1%.For the dose response,the PMT and SiPM exhibit excellent linear responses and SNRs within the range of 0.1-60 Gy/min For the PSFD with a current readout mode,the performance of the PMT and SiPM is concluded to be better than that of the other devices in the study.In particular,the SiPM,which has a compact size,low bias voltage,and antimagnetic interference,has great advantages for further applications.

Optically stimulated luminescence dosimeter based on CaS:Eu,Sm

Alkaline earth sulfides (MgS,CaS and BaS) crystal doped with rare-earth ions is an optically stimulated luminescence dosimeter with very high sensitivity,short time constant of the optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) separated perfectly from the stimulation.In this paper,an OSL dosimeter is described.It has linear dose response from 0.01 to 1000 Gy.The equipment,relatively simple and small in size is promising for applications in space exploration and for high dose irradiation and dangerous irradiation conditions.

A CaS:Ce,Sm-based dosimeter for online dosimetry measurement

A film dosimeter based on optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) material of CaS:Ce,Sm was developed for online irradiation dosimetry measurement.The stimulation is provided by a laser with a wavelength of 980 nm,and the OSL luminescenceis collected by a photodiode.Using 60Co γ-rays,we investigated the dosimetry characteristic of the dosimeter at different dose rates and total doses.The real-time detection results showed that the OSL signals versus total ionizing dose exhibited a good linearity in a dose range of 0.1-185 Gy.

RESEARCH ON FADING CHARACTERISTICS OF ALANINE/ESR DOSIMETERS IN HIGH DOSE RANGE

The present work has dealt extensively and systematically with the fading characteristics of polystyrene-alanine dosimeters irradiated at different dose rates and total doses under various temperatures (10-70 ℃) and stored a period of time in different conditions (5, 25, room temperature, 40 ℃). Detail investigation on this effect in practical irradiation condition is very important. Because it is difficult to correct this effect using correction coefficients so far. So the temperature coefficients and fading rates have been given along with a lot of experimental data to try to make approximation of radical formation or decay behavior.

GENERAL PROPERTIES OF DOMESTIC RADIOCHROMIC FILM ELECTRON DOSIMETER

The project established a system for routine measurement of electron dose and brought about a complete experimental approach for high-dose dosimetry. The paper reports some general properties of domestic radiochromic pararosaniline cyanide (PR-CN) dye with polyvinyl butyral (PVB)-based film used for measuring electron dose. The optical absorption spectrum, the change in optical density as a function of thickness, distribution of the background optical density and spread of response, long-term stability, linear relationship between the change in optical density per unit thickness and absorbed dose, the minimum detectable limit, effect of environmental factors on background and response after irradiation, effect of light-exposition and the time of establishing complete response have been experimentally investigated.

Electron irradiation effects of radiochromic PCDA vesicle gel dosimeters

The gel dosimeter has the uniquely capacity in recording radiation dose distribution in three dimensions(3D), which has the specific advantages in dosimetry measurements where steep dose gradients exist. In this study, a novel radiochromic gel dosimeter was developed by dispersing nanovesicles self-assembled by 10,12-pentacosadiynoic acid(PCDA) into the tissue equivalence gel matrix. The characteristics of radiochromic PCDA vesicle gel dosimeters were evaluated. Results indicate that these radiochromic gel dosimeters have good linear response to 1.7 Me V electron beam irradiation in the dose range of 0.32–6.36 k Gy. In addition,the radiochromic gel dosimeters overcome the limitations of the existing gel dosimeters such as diffusion effect,post-radiation effect, and poor forming ability. Hence, the radiochromic PCDA vesicle gel dosimeters developed could be generally applied to 3D dose distribution measurement with optical readout.

Water equivalence of some 3D dosimeters:a theoretical study based on the effective atomic number and effective fast neutron removal cross section

Effective atomic numbers for photon energy absorption(ZPEA_(eff)) and their corresponding electron numbers (NPEA_(eff)), and effective macroscopic removal cross sections of fast neutrons(RR) were calculated for 27 different types of three-dimensional dosimeters, four types of phantom materials, and water. The values of ZPEA_(eff) and NPEA_(eff) were obtained using the direct method for energies ranging from 10 keV to 20 MeV. Results are presented relative to water, for direct comparison over the range of examined energies. The effect of monomers that are used in polymer gel dosimeters on the water equivalence is discussed. The relation between Σ_R and hydrogen content was studied. Micelle gel dosimeters are highly promising because our results demonstrate perfect matching between the effective atomic number, electron density number, and fast neutron attenuation coefficient of water.

Simulation of gamma minitype reference radiation for calibration of personal dosimeter

An investigation using Monte Carlo simulation on a minitype reference radiation(MRR) for the calibration of gamma personal dosimeters is reported. The distributions of dose rate and scattering gamma spectrum are the main simulation objects with the variable physical structures of MRR and the dosimeters as parameters that are to be calibrated. Further, the influences on the reference radiation caused by these parameters are analyzed in detail.This work provides a theoretical basis for better understanding of MRR used for calibration of gamma personal dosimeters. This analysis can help in the development of a calibration technology for such tools based on MRR.

The Effect of the Size of Radiotherapy Photon Beams on the Absorbed Dose to an Al_2O_3 Dosimeter

The effect of the size of radiotherapy photon beams on the absorbed dose to an Al2O3 dosimeter was investigated using the Monte Carlo method. The EGSnrc/DOSRZnrc program code was used to simulate the absorbed dose to the Al2O3 dosimeter, as well as the absorbed dose to water at the corresponding position in the absence of the dosimeter. The incident beams were 60Co γ and 6 MV with a different beam radius ranging from 0.1 cm to 2 cm. Results revealed that the absorbed dose ratio factor depends on the size of the incident photon beam. When the radius of the incident beam is smaller than that of the dosimeter, the absorbed dose ratio factor decreases as the incident beam size increases. The absorbed dose ratio factor reaches its minimum when the radius of the incident beam is almost the same as that of the dosimeter. When the radius of the incident beam is larger than that of the dosimeter, the absorbed dose ratio factor increases as the incident beam size increases. The maximum difference among these absorbed dose ratio factors can be up to 14% in 60Co γ beams and 23% in 6 MV beams. However, when the size of the incident beam is much larger than that of the dosimeter, the effect of the incident beam size on the absorbed dose ratio factor becomes quite small. The maximum discrepancy between the absorbed dose ratio factors and the average value is not more than 1%.

Disposable Condenser Dosimeter Using a Skin-Insulated Mini-Substrate with a Silicon X-Ray Diode in Image-Guided Radiation Therapy

To measure integral doses in image-guided radiation therapy, we developed a disposable mini-substrate with a 1.0-μF condenser and a silicon X-ray diode (Si-XD). The Si-XD is a high-sensitivity photodiode selected for detecting X-rays. In the substrate with dimensions of 15 × 15 mm2, the initial charging voltage is 3.30 V, and the charging voltage is decreased by photocurrents flowing through the Si-XD during X-ray exposing. The condenser in the substrate is charged by a microcomputer dock, and the charging voltage is also measured using an analog to digital converter in the dock after exposing X-rays. The dock is connected to a personal computer through a USB cable, and integral doses are shown on the PC monitor. The doses were proportional to decreases in the charging voltage, and the calibrated doses corresponded well to those obtained using a readily available ionization chamber.

Comparison of Gamma Pass Rate between the Dose-to-Water and Dose-to-Medium Reporting Modes for Patient-Specific QA Using a Helical Diode Array Dosimeter with a Fixed Phantom Density

Introduction: To compare the measured dose distributions to calculated ones in dose-to-water (Dw) and dose-to-medium (Dm) reporting modes for simple plans and patient-specific intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans using ArcCHECK with a fixed phantom density. Methods: The recommended density value of 1.18 g/cm3 for Acuros XB and X-ray voxel Monte Carlo was assigned to ArcCHECK on CT images. A total of 45 simple plans, including a 1-field plan, a 3-field plan, a 4-field plan, a half-arc plan from 270° to 90°, and a full-arc plan, were assessed. Subsequently, the patient-specific 96 IMRT and VMAT plans were evaluated. Gamma analysis with a 3% normalized global dose error and a 3 mm distance-to-agreement criteria (γ3%G/3mm) was performed in the Dw and Dm. The change in γ3%G/3mm between Dw and Dm were statistically analyzed using JMPPro11 software. Results: The median values of γ3%G/3mm for all simple plans for Dw and Dm were 98.1% (range, 75.2% - 100%) and 95.5% (range, 23.7% - 100%), respectively (p 0.01). In the patient-specific IMRT and VMAT plans, the median values of γ3%G/3mm for Dw and Dm were 98.6% (range, 90.1% - 100%) and 90.5% (range, 38.5% - 97.2%), respectively (p 0.01). Conclusion: Our results showed that the calculated and measured dose distributions were in good agreement for Dw, but were not for Dm. From the viewpoint of the rationale of dosimetry, Dw shows better agreement with measured dose distribution when using the fixedphantom density recommended by the vendor.

Studying of Common Factors Affecting Reading of Lithium Fluoride Thermo-Luminescence Dosimeter Crystal

The aim of this study was to study the technical factors affecting the reading of TLD (LiF:Mg:Ti) for radiation dosimetry. The method adapted was an exposure of LiF:Mg:Ti crystal with?γ-ray with the following filters (Hp 0.07 and Hp?10), before and after usage of filter Hp?(0.07), annealing, cooling by nitrogen flux and crystal morphology by scanning electron microscope. The collected data analyzed by EXCELL software showed that: TLD average count/second (C/s) with filter Hp?(10) was greater than that obtained with filter Hp?(0.07) with an amount of 1191 c/s?(19%). Also the analysis showed that: the average C/s without filter Hp?(0.07) was greater than that with filter by an amount of 994.5 C/s (16.4%), and there was proportional linear relationship;as the applied dose increased the TLD C/s increased significantly (R2?=?0.9) based on the equations: y = 885.1x???286.5 and y = 860.5x?+ 856.8 for filtered and without filtered beam respectively, where?x?refers to applied dose in mGy and?y?refers to C/s. Also the average C/s without nitrogen flux (cooling) was greater than with nitrogen count with an amount of 52.4 C/s (11%). The annealing (without filter) causes a reduction in dose by 82.2?μGy (19.2%), and in case of annealing with filter, the dose reduced by 66.7?μGy (21.9%) relative to annealing without filter. The morphology of TLD crystal shown by scanning electron microscope SEM was a darkening surface after irradiation.

NONLINEAR RESPONSES OF GAMMA-RAY DOSIMETERS

Either sublinear or supralinear responses of dosimeters to y-ray can be described by a response function derived from statistical Poisson distribution.The characteristic parameters of the function determine linearity, sublinearity and supralinearity in their responses. The experimental data of gamma dose-responses of alanine ESR dosimeters,film dosimeters, LiF(Mg, Cu, P) and LiF(Mg, Ti) thermoluminescence dosimeters are used to test the response function.

Toluidine Blue O-Gelatin Gel Dosimeter for Radiation Processing

In this study the spectrophotometric response of the Toluidine Blue O (TBO)-gelatin gel dosimeter irradiated with gamma rays was characterized. Preparation of dyed-gelatin gel takes place in neutral medium;to give eventually gel dosimeter has a sharp absorbance peak at 635 nm that bleaches quantitatively upon irradiation and the colour change can be measured with UV-VIS spectrophotometer. The useful dose range was 1 - 150 Gy. The radiation chemical yield (G-value) of gel dosimeter was calculated and found to increase by increasing concentration of dye. Post-irradiation storage on the response of gel is discussed. The dose response function, radiation sensitivity, and dependences of the response on environmental factors were studied.

Effect of Gold Nanoparticle on Percentage Depth Dose of 18 MV X-Ray in MAGICA Polymer Gel Dosimeter

Radiation-sensitive polymer gels are among the most promising three-dimensional dose verification tools and tissue-like phantom developed to date. This study is an investigating of percentage depth dose enhancement within the gel medium with the use of conformal distribution gold nanoparticle as contrast agents by high atomic number material. In this work, the normoxic polymer gel dosimeter MAGICA tissue-equivalence was first theoretically verified using MCNPX Monte Carlo code and experimentally by percentage depth dose curves within the gel medium. Then gold nanoparticles (GNPs) of 50 nm diameter with different concentrations of 0.1 mM, 0.2 mM, and 0.4 mM were embedded in MAGICA gel and irradiated by 18 MV photon beam. Experimental results have shown dose increase of 10%, 2% and 4% in 0.1 mM, 0.2 mM and 0.4 mM concentrations, respectively. Simulation results had good agreement in the optimum concentration of 0.1 mM. The largest error between experimental and simulation results was equal to 9.28% stood for 0.4 mM concentration. The results showed that the optimum concentration of gold nanoparticles to achieve maximum absorbed dose in both experimental and simulation was 0.1 mM and so it can be used for clinical studies.