Measuring ionising radiation
Ionising radiation is an invisible type of high-energy radiation that can alter body cells. To avoid causing unnecessary harm, it is important for ionising radiation to be measured accurately and traceably.
Ionising radiation is used in medicine. However, it is also a byproduct of oil and gas drilling or nuclear power generation, for example. Various types of ionising radiation are used in healthcare for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, for example when taking X-rays or CT scans. It is also used in radiotherapy for cancer and therapeutic nuclear medicine. Given that ionising radiation can damage DNA material, it is vital to measure it. The use of appropriate measuring equipment is essential to prevent unnecessary damage to healthy cells during treatment. The measurement data also need to be properly analysed and interpreted, and the calibration of medical devices is subject to international guidelines.
Our experts are happy to help.
Michael van Schaik
Senior Account Manager
Developments in this area are unfolding extremely rapidly. They include new technologies for radiotherapy and flash therapy, the emergence of precision medicine and the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in cancer treatment.
All these new techniques raise new measurement challenges. For example, AI applications must be validated, while dosimetry for new treatment techniques has to be traceable to metrology standards. Correct, timely assistance is needed for this: not just when problems arise, but well before the clinical trial phase. VSL knows what questions to ask and what to look out for in the fields of dosimetry and ionising radiation.
An important aspect of healthcare, radiotherapy uses the harmful effect of radiation to combat tumours. This needs to be done with the utmost accuracy, as too little radiation will not kill a tumour, while too much could potentially cause the patient other physical problems. The Netherlands is a global leader in the field of radiotherapy, regularly developing new techniques based on scientific research.
VSL plays a major role in this and contributes to the development of new dosimetry measurement techniques and standards. We manage the national standards in this regard, ensuring that the measurements and methodologies used in the Netherlands correspond to international ones and are traceable. This provides a stable network of accurate and reliable measurements that benefits patients worldwide.
The medical industry relies on verification and calibration processes. VSL ensures that the results recorded by various instruments are based on internationally traceable standards. We maintain close contacts with experts, fellow institutes, clinical physicists, physicians and manufacturers of radiation equipment in this regard. We provide proficiency testing (audits) and answer questions such as: how do I ensure that the results of my measurements are reliable?
