Experimental evaluation of PCXMC and prepare codes used in conventional radiology

Radiat Prot Dosimetry. 2008;131(3):374-8. doi: 10.1093/rpd/ncn183. Epub 2008 Jun 27.

Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate the precision of dose-calculation computer codes used in our laboratory (PCXMC and PREPARE) for organ dose evaluation. Measurements of entrance and organ dose were performed using ionisation chamber and thermoluminescence dosimetry. To obtain a mean dose of organ, we have used the Rando-Alderson phantom. The results showed that computed and measured doses correlate well (within 28%) in 60% of the samples. The percentage shows that the computed doses correlate with the experimental doses rather well for PCXMC software than PREPARE. Although the two programs are based on the Monte-Carlo method, their calculations differ. PCXMC carries out a simulation of the trajectory of the photon, whereas PREPARE provides interpolated values. Our experimental results are close to the values given by the PCXMC, a program which takes into account the weight, the height of the patient and field dimensions.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Computer Simulation*
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Monte Carlo Method*
  • Phantoms, Imaging*
  • Radiography
  • Radiology / methods*
  • Radiometry / instrumentation*
  • Radiometry / methods*
  • Thorax / radiation effects