Absorption spectra time evolution of EBT-2 model GAFCHROMIC film.
OBJECTIVE
One of the major drawbacks of the current radiochromic film dosimetry protocols is the postirradiation waiting time. In this article, the authors study the postirradiation time evolution of the absorption spectrum of radiochromic EBT-2 GAFCHROMIC film model.


METHODS
Postirradiation scanning times range from 3 min to 5 days and a dose range extends from 0 to 6 Gy. The authors compare the results of absorption spectra measurements for the latest GAFCHROMIC EBT-2 film model to the absorption spectra of the previous EBT GAFCHROMIC film model. The authors also describe a method that can establish the time error constraints on the postirradiation scanning time that will still provide an acceptable dose error for clinical applications if the protocol employing the shorter postirradiation scanning time is implemented in the clinic.


RESULTS
The two film models experience the very same dose change in net absorbance with sensitivity of the latest EBT-2 model GAFCHROMIC film being slightly lower than its predecessor. The authors show that for two postirradiation scanning times of 30 min and 24 h, the 1% dose error can be achieved if the scanning time window is less than +/- 5 min and +/- 2 h, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
By comparing the resultant change in net absorbance between the latest EBT-2 and previous EBT GAFCHROMIC film models, the authors conclude that the addition of the yellow marker dye to the sensitive layer does not affect dosimetric properties of the latest film model. The authors also describe a procedure by which one can establish an acceptable time window around chosen postirradiation scanning time protocol that would provide an acceptable dose error for practical purposes.
Medical Physics Unit, McGill University, Montréal H3G 1A4, Québec, Canada. slobodan.devic@mcgill.ca
Slobodan
S
Devic
Saad
S
Aldelaijan
Huriyyah
H
Mohammed
Nada
N
Tomic
Li-Heng
LH
Liang
Francois
F
DeBlois
Jan
J
Seuntjens
D000042:Absorption; D005373:Film Dosimetry / Q000379:methods*; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011880:Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted; D050397:Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated; D013057:Spectrum Analysis; D013997:Time Factors