Dosimeter and DCAL
To protect our safety and health, we can use dosimeter and its software called Dose and Risk Calculation (DCAL) software. Dosimeters are used to measure the quantity of exposure by ionizing radiation. Other than dosimeter, a system software called “Dose Risk Calculation” software (DCAL) also can be used to measure the amount of dosage received by a person especially to those who exposed with high radiation environment such as medical physicist in the hospital and company workers.
What is Dosimeter?
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| http://www.dosimeter.com/ |
A radiation dosimeter is a gadget that measures either directly or indirectly the presence with proportionate measurements, the rates, or related amounts of ionizing radiation.Dosimetry is divided into two which are absolute dosimetry and secondary dosimetry. Absolute dosimetry is determine as the dose of dosimeter without reference to another dosimeter while secondary dosimetry requires calibration against a primary standard. The dosimeter is created with a very thin layer of aluminium oxide.
What is DCAL?
The system software “Dose Risk Calculation” software (DCAL) is designed for use on a personal computer or scientific work station by users with experience in scientific computing and computational radiation dosimetry. The system consists of a series of computational modules driven by a user interface. DCAL may be used either in an interactive mode designed for evaluation of a specified exposure case or in a batch mode that allows non-interactive, multiple-case calculations. DCAL is intended for experienced users with knowledge of computational dosimetry. To install this software, PC with Windows operating system is needed and at least 30 MB hard drive storage space.
Ways to use dosimeter and DCAL
Dosimeter is a device that measures exposure of dose by using DCAL as a software that will calculate the exposure of the radiation.There are three main steps of dosimetric calculations by using DCAL software for intake of a radionuclide. The first step is called activity module where its calculate of time-dependent activity of the parent radionuclide and its progeny present in anatomical regions of the body. The second step is SEE module. In this step dosimetric calculations calculate of SEE values for all combinations of target and source region. The final step is dose rate module. Dose rate module calculate the dose rates or equivalent dose rates based on the output generated in the first and second steps. The output will be displayed on a monitoring computer or monitor of the dosimeter device itself.
Comparison between DCAL software with Dosimetry Management Software
comparison with these two software. Both had its own advantage and disadvantage. It is stated as follows:
- DCAL includes module of evaluation of dose rate resulting from external exposure to radionuclides present outside the body in environmental media such as distribution airborne in cloud, water, soil, and etc while Dosimetry Management Software includes evaluation at nuclear reactors.
- DCAL is designed for use on personal computers or scientific work stations by experience users in scientific computing and computational radiation dosimetry while Dosimetry Management Software is designed more to analytic workstations where the results is analyse and determined the dose of radiation.
- DCAL performs biokinetic and dosimetry calculations for the case of acute intake of a radionuclide by inhalation, injection or even ingestion into the body whereas for Dosimetry Management Software it does not perform any calculations but more to controlling and accessing dosimetry data that has been calculated via manually or any other applications.
Therefore with this comparisons, its really undoubtfull that DCAL system software is much better compared to Dosimetry Management Software.
Advantage and Disadvantage of Dosimeter and DCAL
Advantages
- Easier and higher speed readout
- More convinient to use
- Can monitor radiation exposed fast
Disadvantages
- Need higher power source
- Exposed to data hacking
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