New trends in clinical and retrospective dosimetry

Selecting the proper dosimeter and methodology is crucial for accurate dose measurement, especially since the requirements are different for clinical and retrospective dosimetry. Regardless of the field-radiotherapy, X-ray diagnostic radiology or nuclear medicine-efforts are continuously being made to improve radiation measurement accuracy through the development of new dosimeters, accurate calibration of instrumentation, training of staff, proper quality control and enhancement of radiation safety procedures. For instance, for retrospective dose estimation during radiation accidents, the selection of the appropriate material and knowledge of the intrinsic background signal of the selected material are crucial. In both clinical and retrospective dosimetry it is important to have adequate protocols as well as expertise in possible uncertainties, discussed here based on the authors own research.