Monte Carlo simulation-based feasibility study of a dose-area product meter built into a collimator for diagnostic X-ray

Radiat Prot Dosimetry. 2014 Dec;162(3):421-6. doi: 10.1093/rpd/nct339. Epub 2013 Dec 18.

Abstract

According to the International Electro-technical Commission, manufacturers of X-ray equipment should indicate the number of radiation doses to which a patient can be exposed. Dose-area product (DAP) meters are readily available devices that provide dose indices. Collimators are the most commonly employed radiation beam restrictors in X-ray equipment. DAP meters are attached to the lower surface of a collimator. A DAP meter consists of a chamber and electronics. This separation makes it difficult for operators to maintain the accuracy of a DAP meter. Developing a comprehensive system that has a DAP meter in place of a mirror in the collimator would be effective for measuring, recording the dose and maintaining the quality of the DAP meter. This study was conducted through experimental measurements and a simulation. A DAP meter built into a collimator was found to be feasible when its reading was multiplied by a correction factor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • Diagnostic Imaging*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Humans
  • Monte Carlo Method*
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Radiation Protection / instrumentation*
  • Radiography / instrumentation*
  • Radiography / methods*
  • X-Rays