Validating Fricke dosimetry for the measurement of absorbed dose to water for HDR 192Ir brachytherapy: a comparison between primary standards of the LCR, Brazil, and the NRC, Canada

Phys Med Biol. 2018 Apr 5;63(8):085004. doi: 10.1088/1361-6560/aab2b8.

Abstract

Two Fricke-based absorbed dose to water standards for HDR Ir-192 dosimetry, developed independently by the LCR in Brazil and the NRC in Canada have been compared. The agreement in the determination of the dose rate from a HDR Ir-192 source at 1 cm in a water phantom was found to be within the k = 1 combined measurement uncertainties of the two standards: D NRC/D LCR = 1.011, standard uncertainty = 2.2%. The dose-based standards also agreed within the uncertainties with the manufacturer's stated dose rate value, which is traceable to a national standard of air kerma. A number of possible influence quantities were investigated, including the specific method for producing the ferrous-sulphate Fricke solution, the geometry of the holder, and the Monte Carlo code used to determine correction factors. The comparison highlighted the lack of data on the determination of G(Fe3+) in this energy range and the possibilities for further development of the holders used to contain the Fricke solution. The comparison also confirmed the suitability of Fricke dosimetry for Ir-192 primary standard dose rate determinations at therapy dose levels.

Publication types

  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Brachytherapy / methods*
  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • Ferrous Compounds*
  • Iridium Radioisotopes / therapeutic use*
  • Monte Carlo Method
  • Phantoms, Imaging
  • Radiometry / standards*
  • Radiotherapy Dosage
  • Reference Standards
  • Solutions*
  • Uncertainty
  • Water*

Substances

  • Ferrous Compounds
  • Fricke solution
  • Iridium Radioisotopes
  • Iridium-192
  • Solutions
  • Water