Thermoluminescence dosimetry in medicine and biology - NRPB specialised TLD service

A brief description is given of some successful uses of TLDs. Consideration is given to the factors influencing the choice of suitable TLDs. Those most commonly used contain LiF or Li2B407:Mn. Sources of data for the energy response of TLDs are listed. Measurements of a range of absorbed doses in medicine or radiobiology may require more than one type of dosemeter. Environmental conditions encountered by the dosemeters in clinical use, either in the body of during sterilisation, may have gross effects on the TL sensitivity. Uses of TLDs in radiotherapy are considered. The National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) provides a specialized TLD service, with precision of readout typically 1 to 3% standard deviation for extruded ribbon dosemeters and 4 to 6% for PTFE-based microrods. The NRPB's use of TLDs in clinical measurements is exemplified by a description of measurements of axilla and shielded organ absorbed dose in the treatment of Hodgkin's Disease. (U.K.)