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The application of microdosimetry in clinical bone densitometry using a dual-photon absorptiometer

A. J. Waker, PhD ^* B. Oldroyd and M. Marco

Department of Medical Physics, University of Leeds, The General Infirmary, Leeds LS1 3EX, UK Instituto de Estudios de la Energia, CIEMAT, Avenida Complutense 22, 28040 Madrid, Spain

Experimental microdosimetric methods have been used to determine absorbed dose values for a scanning dual-photon absorptiometer. Absorbed doses within the scanned field have been obtained for three different scanning speeds. For the normal speed setting used clinically, measurements have also been carried out in a water-filled phantom in order to estimate typical patient entrance, exit and midline doses. The results agree well with values obtained using thermoluminescence dosimetry and support the claims of the manufacturers with regard to upper limits placed on patient dose levels. The microdosimetric method enables changes in radiation quality to be followed and comparisons to be made with other low-energy photon fields used in medical diagnosis.

Key Words: Microdosimetry • Dosimetry • X-rays • Absorptiometry

^* Present address: AECL Research, Chalk River Laboratories, Chalk River, Ontario, Canada, K0J 1JO.

Received for publication April 10, 1991. Revision received October 29, 1991. Accepted for publication January 14, 1992.