Radiation Dose Monitoring in the Clinical Routine

Authors:
  • NGNika Guberina
    Nika Guberina
  • MFMichael Forsting
    Michael Forsting
  • SSSaravanabavaan Suntharalingam
    Saravanabavaan Suntharalingam
  • KNKai Nassenstein
    Kai Nassenstein
  • JTJens Theysohn
    Jens Theysohn
  • ARAdrian Ringelstein
    Adrian Ringelstein
  • AWAxel Wetter
    Axel Wetter

Abstract
Here we describe the first clinical experiences regarding the use of an automated radiation dose management software to monitor the radiation dose of patients during routine examinations. Many software solutions for monitoring radiation dose have emerged in the last decade. The continuous progress in radiological techniques, new scan features, scanner generations and protocols are the primary challenge for radiation dose monitoring software systems. To simulate valid dose calculations, radiation dose monitoring systems have to follow current trends and stay constantly up-to-date. The dose management software is connected to all devices at our institute and conducts automatic data acquisition and radiation dose calculation. The system incorporates 18 virtual phantoms based on the Cristy phantom family, estimating doses in newborns to adults. Dose calculation relies on a Monte Carlo simulation engine. Our first practical experiences demonstrate that the software is capable of dose estimation in the clinical routine. Its implementation and use have some limitations that can be overcome. The software is promising and allows assessment of radiation doses, like organ and effective doses according to ICRP 60 and ICRP 103, patient radiation dose history and cumulative radiation doses. Furthermore, we are able to determine local diagnostic reference doses. The radiation dose monitoring software systems can facilitate networking between hospitals and radiological departments, thus refining radiation doses and implementing reference doses at substantially lower levels.