Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 1, 2026

Dosimetry for Cell Irradiation using Orthovoltage 40-300 kV X-Ray Facilities
Published on: February 20, 2021
A dose-response curve for biodosimetry from a 6 MV electron linear accelerator
M M P Lemos-Pinto1, M Cadena1, N Santos1
1Departamento de Energia Nuclear, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, BR.
Abstract:
Biological dosimetry (biodosimetry) is based on the investigation of radiation-induced biological effects (biomarkers), mainly dicentric chromosomes, in order to correlate them with radiation dose. To interpret the dicentric score in terms of absorbed dose, a calibration curve is needed. Each curve should be constructed with respect to basic physical parameters, such as the type of ionizing radiation characterized by low or high linear energy transfer (LET) and dose rate. This study was designed to obtain dose calibration curves by scoring of dicentric chromosomes in peripheral blood lymphocytes irradiated in vitro with a 6 MV electron linear accelerator (Mevatron M, Siemens, USA). Two software programs, CABAS (Chromosomal Aberration Calculation Software) and Dose Estimate, were used to generate the curve. The two software programs are discussed; the results obtained were compared with each other and with other published low LET radiation curves. Both software programs resulted in identical linear and quadratic terms for the curve presented here, which was in good agreement with published curves for similar radiation quality and dose rates.
Related Concept Videos
Dose Response Curve: Conventional Versus Nonmonotonic
Biological Effects of Radiation
Dose-Response Relationship: Overview
Absorption of Radiation
Dose Size and Dosing Frequency: Determination Methods
Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic Relationship: Dose to Pharmacological Effect

