Exposure to large amounts of radiation is harmful to humans and animals. Fortunately, radiation equipment is becoming more and more sophisticated. Innovations are only made possible by accurate radiation measurements and correct interpretation of the measurement data.
Introduction
Exposure to large amounts of radiation is harmful to humans. Sometimes this happens accidentally, as in the Fukushima disaster. Conversely, in radiotherapy for cancer treatment, ionising radiation is used intentionally to destroy malignant cells (tumours). Measuring the amount of radiation delivered (dosimetry) and its precise location are two essential factors for successful treatment.
Accurate measurements are crucial to both external (teletherapy) and internal radiation (brachytherapy), Radiation equipment, such as linear accelerators combined with an MRI scanner, is becoming increasingly sophisticated, with proton radiation being applied instead of the traditional photon radiation treatment. VSL is developing measurement methods to determine with increasing accuracy the amount and distribution of radiation delivered by this new radiation equipment.
VSL provides various dosimetry services to hospitals, the medical industry, dosimetry companies, producers of radiation equipment and detectors, as well as to parties that work with radiation, such as nuclear power plants. We are also working on several research projects at a European level.
VSL specialists sit on several committees, including the Netherlands Commission on Radiation Dosimetry (NCS), where they advise on the measurement of ionising radiation.
Our experts are happy to help.
Jaïr Blom
Account Manager
We support and advise manufacturers and end users with regard to questions, enabling them to improve measurement and inspection methods to optimise the quality of their processes and products.
Custom services
VSL has specialised knowledge of and experience in ionising radiation as well as in its measurement and the interpretation of measurement data. Governments, hospitals, research institutes and manufacturers regularly ask our help with specific applications. Our services in this regard include:
Every situation is unique. Do you need advice or would you like to know what we can do for you? Don’t hesitate to contact us.
Calibration
Accurate radiation measurements are essential to ensure effective radiotherapy treatments and patient safety in radiological diagnostics. VSL ensures traceability to standards in radiotherapy (teletherapy and brachytherapy) by calibrating ionisation chambers for Co-60, Cs-137 and X-ray beams. In addition, we calibrate well-type ionisation chambers for Ir-192 sources.
As regards radiological applications, we calibrate KAP meters, KLP meters and ionisation chambers for a wide range of X-ray qualities. We adhere to the ISO, IEC, NEN and NCS standards.
Radiation levels also need to be accurately measured to ensure the safety of employees in such environments. Quality can be guaranteed by means of regular calibration of the radiation source or measurement equipment. Regular calibration is also a requirement for ISO certification and FDA approval.
In addition to performing calibrations in its own laboratory, VSL offers on-site calibration of radiation sources. This way, we provide as many high-quality sources as possible.
