BackscatterFaktoren

BackscatterFaktoren, often referred to as backscatter factors, are numerical coefficients used in radiology and dosimetry to relate the incident radiation dose to the dose received within a medium or tissue. They serve as correction parameters that account for the scattering and secondary radiation that occurs when primary photons interact with materials.

In medical physics, backscatter factors adjust the entrance dose measurements obtained at the surface of the body or a phantom to reflect the actual dose distribution within tissues. These factors are particularly important in diagnostic radiology, radiotherapy planning, and radiation protection, where precise dose calculations are essential for effectiveness and safety.

The value of the backscatter factor depends on several variables, including photon energy, field size, and the composition of the irradiated medium. Typically, backscatter factors are greater than one, indicating an increase in dose due to scatter phenomena. For example, in mammography, backscatter factors are used to correct entrance doses because scatter contributes significantly to the overall dose in breast tissue.

Data for backscatter factors are derived from experimental measurements, Monte Carlo simulations, and standardized references such as dosimetry protocols (e.g., ICRU, ICRP). They are published in tables and charts to facilitate their application in clinical settings.

Understanding and applying backscatter factors is crucial for accurate dose assessments and optimizing radiation protocols, reducing unintended exposure, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. As research advances, these factors are continually refined to improve the accuracy of dose calculations across different radiological procedures.

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