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Evaluation of a Gafchromic EBT2 film dosimetry system for radiotherapy quality assurance

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Abstract

This study examines the dosimetric accuracy of Gafchromic EBT2 model radiochromic film for use in radiotherapy quality assurance. In this study, film was scanned using an Epson Perfection V700 flatbed scanner in transmission mode at 75 DPI with the subsequent analysis performed using the red and blue colour channels and ImageJ software. Results of this study suggest that the conversion of film optical density to measured dose should, at present, utilise red channel data only, without application of a blue channel correction to the data. For the batch of film examined here, film uniformity and reproducibility appear to have improved compared with published results using older batches. The orientation of the film on the scanner and the side of the film facing the light source were found to have substantial effects on results. Based on the results of this study, it is possible to recommend the use of EBT2 film in routine quality assurance testing for radiotherapy, in situations where a dose uncertainty of up to 2.8% is acceptable.

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Acknowledgements

Dr Kairn’s contribution to this work was funded by the Wesley Research Institute, Australia (grant number 2008/11).

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  1. Premion, The Wesley Medical Centre, Suite 1, 40 Chasely St, Auchenflower, QLD, 4066, Australia

    T. Aland, T. Kairn & J. Kenny

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  1. T. Aland
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  2. T. Kairn
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  3. J. Kenny
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Correspondence to T. Aland.

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Aland, T., Kairn, T. & Kenny, J. Evaluation of a Gafchromic EBT2 film dosimetry system for radiotherapy quality assurance. Australas Phys Eng Sci Med 34, 251–260 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13246-011-0072-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13246-011-0072-6

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