Dosimetriaa

Dosimetría, a term sometimes spelled dosimetriaa in informal contexts, is the science of measuring and assessing the absorbed dose of ionizing radiation in matter and biological tissue. Its main purpose is to quantify exposure to protect people and to plan and verify medical procedures. The core quantities used in dosimetry are the absorbed dose (gray, Gy), the equivalent dose (sievert, Sv) and the effective dose, which accounts for the varying sensitivity of tissues.

Dosimetric methods rely on detectors called dosimeters. External dosimetry measures radiation from outside the body using devices such as thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs), optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosimeters, film badges, semiconductor detectors, and electronic personal dosimeters. Internal dosimetry estimates dose from radionuclides taken into the body, using biokinetic models and imaging data. Calibration, quality assurance, and reference phantoms are essential for accuracy.

Applications span medicine, industry, and environmental protection. In radiology and radiotherapy, dosimetry guides image quality, dose optimization, and treatment planning, while ensuring organ and tumor doses are within safe limits. In nuclear medicine, dosimetry estimates the dose to target and non-target tissues from radiopharmaceuticals. Occupational dosimetry monitors workers’ exposure in nuclear facilities and hospitals, and environmental dosimetry assesses population exposure.

Guidelines and standards are provided by international bodies such as ICRP, IAEA, and ISO. Advancements in detector technology, computational methods, and biophysical data continue to improve the precision and utility of dosimetry for safety and patient care.