X-ray spectrometry and ISO 4037 implementation

• Guidance to implement ISO 4037 series is needed.
• High voltage measurements of x-ray units and the associated uncertainty estimates are needed.
• Missing data regarding Am-241 reference fields is needed.
• Harmonized procedures for traceable X-ray spectrometry are needed.

Procedures for type testing standards

• There are standards with conflicting requirements for the same type of dosimeter.
• There are standardisation gaps, due to recent or upcoming developments in measurement technology (e.g. spectrodosimetry) and new technologies (e.g., machine learning, AI...).
• The standards must be harmonized.
• Future needs of standardisation must be analysed.

Future needs of standardisation

• ICRU report 95 proposed new operational quantities to replace the current quantities
• A revision of the type test standards is needed.
• A characterization study of existing dosimeters is needed to see whether software and/or design modifications are necessary.

• Develop a traceable, harmonized metrological approach to x-ray spectrometry in concordance with the ISO 4037 standard.
• Evaluate discrepancies between measured and calculated half value layer of x-ray spectra.
• Produce data to update requirements for reference X-ray fields.
• Produce data for Am-241 reference fields.
• Evaluate methods to determine the x-ray tube high voltage

• Develop cost effective procedures and guidance for the calibration of dosimeters and determination of their response as a function of photon energy.
• Enable smaller metrology institutes and other calibration laboratories to implement the ISO 4037 standard series and have access to guidance on new operational quantities of ICRU 95.
• Provide training to emerging metrology institutes.
• Produce open e-learning materials on the calibration procedures.

• Provide guidance on validated procedures for harmonized type testing based on IEC standards for the commonly used dosimeters with valid metrological solutions for situations where requirements in existing standards deviate and standardisation gaps exist.

• To assess future standardisation needs.
• To produce a guidance document for the implementation of the new operational quantities of ICRU Report 95 into standards and regulations.
• To disseminate this to policymakers, manufacturers, regulators, metrology networks, standardisation bodies and laboratories.

• To collaborate with ISO and IEC and the users of their dosimetry standards (including the EMN on radiation protection and the IAEA) to ensure that project outputs align with their needs.
• To disseminate project outcomes for a future update of the ISO 4037.

Good practice guides

1. Guide for reference field spectrometry
2. Guide for harmonised type testing.
3. Guide for standardisation and legal requirements for radiation protection dosimeters in different applications and in different countries.
4. Guide for the use of spectrodosimeters.
5. Guide for the implementation of the new operational quantities proposed in ICRU Report 95.

Training on ISO 4037

Training courses.
Open E-learning material.

Proposal to update ISO 4037

• National Metrology Institutes or Designated Institutes.
• Secondary Standard Dosimetry Laboratories.

• Standardisation bodies.
• Policy makers and regulators.
• International organisations preparing radiation protection guidelines.

• Manufacturers of area and personal dosimeters.

Scientific

• A structured methodology for photon fluence spectrometry to establish reference beams including detector characterisation, recommendations on existing unfolding methods, determination of conversion coefficients and estimates of the uncertainty involved.
• New beam qualities that can be developed for upcoming applications on the basis of this investigation.
• Input on impact of ICRU Report 95 quantities for the establishment of reference fields at NMIs.

Economic/Technological

• Improved quality assurance by increasing confidence on conversion coefficients determined by NMIs following International Standards will allow new CMC lines to be developed for customers.
• Identification of requirements and updates on IEC standards for new quantities according ICRU Report 95.
• A scientific basis to guide policy makers and radiation protection officers for the implementation of the new operational quantities.

Societal

• Increase the use of spectrometric techniques at metrology institutes to characterise reference fields for traceable calibration of photon dosimeters in radiation protection according to the requirements of the international standards. This is expected to guarantee the safety of the population against the ionising radiation.