Technical note: DoseMapper - A validated GUI based exact numerical modelling method of shielding in PET/CT facilities

PURPOSE: To provide a faster and more intuitive way of designing shielding for PET facilities, while still relying on the principles of the AAPM 108 Taskforce guidelines, as well as illustrating the calculation output using dose maps that are easily evaluated.

METHODS: A graphical user interface was developed, implementing an inverse AAPM method, wherein radiation sources and shield barriers are manually defined. Simulations are calculated using a user defined control mesh grid. DoseMapper simulations were verified against manual calculations using the AAPM guidelines, as well as compared with in-situ dose rate measurements using four different dosemeters.

RESULTS: DoseMapper simulations were virtually identical to manual calculations using AAPM guidelines, with a maximum relative error of <0.01%. Comparison with in-situ measurements showed that DoseMapper simulated dose rates in all instances are higher than what can be measured, ensuring no unintended hotspots can be overlooked in the shielding design.

CONCLUSIONS: DoseMapper is an easy to use implementation of the AAPM 108 Taskforce principles that allows for a rapid iterative design process of shielding in PET facilities, and the resulting maps of dose rate and annual accumulated dose serve as clear documentation for the design. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.