Bubble technique for evaluating effective dose of diagnostic X-rays: a feasibility study.

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiation Dosimetry

Background:

• Accurate effective dose assessment is crucial for diagnostic radiology.
• Traditional dosimetry methods may have limitations in specific applications.
• Bubble detectors offer a potential alternative for personal dosimetry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of using bubble detectors for effective dose determination in diagnostic X-ray procedures.
• To assess the accuracy and reproducibility of bubble detectors in quantifying radiation doses.
• To establish a method for applying bubble detectors within a phantom for organ-specific dose measurement.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a BTI-GAMMA bubble detector for gamma detection.
• Fabricated a multi-slab acrylic (PMMA) phantom to simulate human tissues.
• Evaluated detector reproducibility and linearity with X-ray doses.
• Inserted bubble detectors into phantom slabs corresponding to organ locations.
• Controlled detector temperature during X-ray exposure for optimal counting.

Main Results:

• Assessed effective doses for chest PA X-ray: 66.75 ± 10.23 µSv (males) and 66.47 ± 9.89 µSv (females).
• Assessed effective doses for abdominal AP X-ray: 1183.73 ± 124.29 µSv (males) and 976.70 ± 120.13 µSv (females).
• Identified optimal ambient temperature control as critical for accurate bubble detector readings.

Conclusions:

• The bubble detector technique is feasible for evaluating effective dose in diagnostic X-rays.
• The method allows for quantification of effective dose in specific organs using a phantom.
• Precise temperature control of the bubble detector is essential for reliable and practical application.