Dosemeter

DOSIMAX plus I
User Manual
 DOSIMAX plus I

Symbols used in the User Manual

for the Dosimax plus I:

Caution!
Note!

Warning! Recycling

Manufacturer : IBA Dosimetry GmbH

Adress : Bahnhofstraße 5, DE-90592 Schwarzenbruck
Telephon number : +49 9128 607-14
Fax number : +49 9128 607-10
Website : www.iba-dosimetry.com
Email : info@iba-dosimetry.com
St.-Nr. : 241/137/21452
VAT-Nr. : DE132815519
WEEE-Reg.-Nr. : DE 65960409

Copyright © 2010 by IBA Dosimetry GmbH.

All other Brands, Trademarks and Trade Names mentioned in this documentation are prop-
erty of the applicable manufacturers and companies. IBA Dosimetry GmbH renounces all
claims of possession to rights in Brands, Trademarks and Trade Names mentioned in this
documentation which are not their property

The use of the device as agreed is fixed obviously on the following pages.
Every use differing from it leads to a risk transition to the user.

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction ............................................................................4
1.1. Intended Use ............................................................................................... 4
1.2. Short Description ......................................................................................... 4
1.3. Declaration of Conformity ............................................................................ 5
1.4. Safety and Warning Instructions .................................................................. 6

2. System Components .............................................................7

2.1. Standard Components ................................................................................. 7
2.2. Optional Components .................................................................................. 8

3. Function and Use ..................................................................8

3.1. Operating the Basic Unit .............................................................................. 8
3.2. Measuring Setup ........................................................................................ 10
3.3. DOSE measurements ................................................................................ 11
3.4. Troubleshooting ......................................................................................... 12

4. Calibration and Quality Assurance ......................................12

5. Safety Inspections ...............................................................13
6. Service.................................................................................13
6.1. Changing the batteries ............................................................................... 13
6.2. Warranty .................................................................................................... 14
6.3. Recycling ................................................................................................... 15
6.4. Customer Feedback .................................................................................. 15

7. Technical Specifications ......................................................16

7.1. Basic unit ................................................................................................... 16
7.2. Detector DEDX .......................................................................................... 17
7.3. Detector RQA ............................................................................................ 18
7.4. Detector RQM ............................................................................................ 20

8. Index ....................................................................................21

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1. Introduction

1.1. Intended Use

The DOSIMAX plus I is intended to be used to provide quality assurance in the measure-
ment of the beam of X-ray installations.

The user must ensure that before running the measuring system,
this User Manual has been read and fully understood.

1.2. Short Description

The DOSIMAX plus I dosimeter is a fully automatic precision instrument for measuring
dose, dose rate and exposure time simultaneously. Semi-conductor detectors are used
which offer, in comparison to ionization chambers, a number of well-known advantages e.g.
they are unaffected by air pressure and temperature. The ionization current of the semi-
conductor detector is measured, converted into the dosimetrical unit Gray (Gy) and then
shown in the display.

The DOSIMAX plus I has the following features:

 Automatic sensitivity change-over between radiography and fluoroscopy

 Automatic reset
 Easy parameter selection by using the corresponding button
 Direct readout of measured values
 Auto power-off after a period of 10 minutes when no user interaction or measuring
takes place.

The following detectors can be used in connection with the DOSIMAX plus I:

 Detector DEDX, integrated into the patient equivalent attenuator

 Detector RQA, a separate external detector, for conventional radiography
 Detector RQM, a separate external detector, for conventional mammography

If the basic unit is used with two or three detectors the user has to take the
calibration information into account given in the enclosed certificate. For
measurements with the additional detector the specified correction factor
has to be used.

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1.3. Declaration of Conformity

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1.4. Safety and Warning Instructions

1.4.1 Important Information

The Dosimax plus I is a medical device compliant with the Council Directive
93/42/EG and should undergo a two yearly check of its accuracy and general condi-
tion. With this in mind please ensure that all local regulations and laws applicable to
the use of a product of this type in your country are also adhered to.

If the system is involved or associated directly or indirectly with a ha-

zardous incident it should be withdrawn from service immediately and
the details reported to the manufacturer.

A copy of this manual is supplied with each Dosimax plus I system to

ensure correct operation. It must not be copied in part or in whole, or
used for any other purpose without the written permission of the
manufacturer.

Several features of the Dosimax plus I and its component accessories

are subject to patent applications.

Modifications to the product or the content of this manual will invali-

date the product warranty and may compromise safe operation. Do
not therefore, under any circumstances, make any changes to the
product or its component accessories.

1.4.2 Allowed Environmental Conditions

Working temperature range: 15°C - 35°C (Storage: 0°C / 32°F - 60°C / 140°F)
Humidity: < 80 %
Pressure: 700 hPa – 1060 hPa

1.4.3 Reference Range (Factory Calibration)

For the individual calibration reference points see the technical specifications.

Temperature: 20°C
3
Humidity: 20 % - 75 %, ≤ 20 g/m
Pressure: 800 - 1060 hPa

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2. System Components

2.1. Standard Components

The DOSIMAX plus I measuring system consists of a basic measuring and display unit and
one or two detectors:

DOSIMAX plus I - basic unit

Detector DEDX - integrated into the patient-

equivalent attenuator, for radiographic
measurements

Detector RQA - flexible detector, for

conventional radiographic measurements

Detector RQM - flexible detector, for

conventional mammographic measurements

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2.2. Optional Components

Detector extension cable - 8 m

The dosemeter – detector combination can be used with different types of test tools, e.g.
the detector DEDX with the test tool ETR1, and the detector RQM with the mammogarphy
test tool MAMMO-152.

3. Function and Use

3.1. Operating the Basic Unit

The basic unit has four buttons, one ON/OFF button and three parameter buttons.

DOSE button

DOSE RATE button

TIME button

ON/OFF button

3.1.1 ON/OFF button

The instrument is activated by pressing the ON/OFF button.

If the DOSIMAX plus I is not used for longer than 10 minutes (no radiation detection or
pressing of any button), the device switches itself off automatically (battery saving function).
The display lighting switches itself off after 3 minutes. It is activated again after radiation
detection or by pressing a button.

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3.1.2 PARAMETER buttons

DOSE button
The dose button is used in order to
indicate the dose value of the pre-
ceding exposure in the display.

DOSERATE button
The dose rate button is used in
order to indicate the dose rate of the
preceding exposure in the display.

Time button
The time button is used in order to
indicate the exposure time of the
preceding exposure in the display.

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3.2. Measuring Setup

The measuring setup is very easy:

 Position the chosen detector in the radiation field (central beam) and make sure
that the marked side of the detector is directed towards the X-ray tube
 Switch on the DOSIMAX plus I by pressing the ON/Off button. Then a display test
(the manufacturer’s logo appears first) is started. The following display messages
inform the user about the built-in software version i.e. (v 3.30) and the serial number
of the basic DOSIMAX plus unit. When the “DOSE”-indication (this is the default
message) appears, the instrument is ready to start taking measurements.
 If the instrument is delivered with 2 or more detectors, then you can choose a sen-
sor over the following menue. i.e.

 If you want to measure with the DEDX-detector (PAT), press the DOSE-button. For
a measurement with the RQA- or the RQM-detector press the TIME-button until the
appropriate detector is shown in the display and then confirm it with the DOSE-
button.
 When the “DOSE”-indication (this is the default message) appears, the instrument is
ready to start taking measurements.
 Start an exposure and
 Select with the “DOSE” button the dose indication and the ratio or
 Select with the “DOSERATE” button the dose rate indication and the time or
 Select with the “TIME” button the time indication and read off the measured values.

After each exposure the chosen parameter and its corresponding unit of measurement is
clearly visible in the display.

During each new emission an automatic RESET of the device takes place.

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3.3. DOSE measurements

The dose measurement in the radiographic mode is started as soon as the minimal
specified doserate is exceeded.

On the display the actual DOSE

appears. An “M” in the top line of the
display indicates that a signal has
been recognized. The measurement
is terminated after a time interval of
2 s without radiation detection run
off.

By pressing the DOSERATE-Button,

the dose rate and the time value is
indicated.

By pressing the TIME-Button, the

time value is indicated.

Please note that an accurate measurement result pre-supposes that the entire
detector surface is irradiated. The active detector surfaces can be made par-
ticularly small by the use of high resolution silicon semiconductors.

The position of the reference point of the detector DEDX is not specified, but
the optimal position can be easily determined by drawing imaginary diagonals
through the corners of the supporting plate. The reference point is then de-
fined by the intersection of the two diagonals.

Due to the high sensitivity of the detectors, it is possible that a triggering can
take place without the effect of radiation (e.g. through a shifting current value
in the cable when mechanicaly moved). Therefore neither the detector/s or the
measuring cable should be moved, or suspended in a way that a mechanical
influence can occur, during the Switch on phase or during the taking of
measurements.

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3.4. Troubleshooting

Generally, the DOSIMAX plus I has been designed to have a long reliable life. If a problem
is noticed with a measuring system, it may not just be caused by the detector assembly, but
also by the display, processor, power supply or interconnecting cables.
The following error indications can appear on the display if the measuring conditions were
incorrect:

*OVERFLOW* Reduce the signal! Too high dose rate. Increase the focus-
detector distance.

Problems other than those indicated above will probably require fault correction by the man-
ufacturer. Please report the problem to your local supplier who will arrange for the product to
be returned for repair.

4. Calibration and Quality Assurance

Even if a self check of the DOSIMAX plus I dosemeter - detector combination is done after
every switch-on, QA tests should be carried out at regular intervals in order to verify the
general functionality, safety and general condition of the dosimeter, the detector(s) and all
accessories. Please observe the environmental reference conditions stated below.

Suggested time table for QA tests

Type of test Frequency Tolerance

Recalibration Every 2 years ±5%
Condition of the system incl. all Before every Renew at Damage
cables, detectors… measurement

The named quality assurance tests are recommendations only. Interna-

tional standards and national laws must be observed.

The instrument should be recalibrated every 2 years. The at-

tached label indicates the date at which the next calibration is
due.

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5. Safety Inspections
Not needed with this measuring device!

6. Service

6.1. Changing the batteries

The battery symbol shows you the status of the battery.
If the capacity of the batteries is too low, measurements are no longer possible.
If the battery symbol flashes , the batteries must be changed immediately. Commercial
AA batteries (Mignon) can be used, whereas alkaline batteries are preferred because a
longer function period is possible. In order to change the batteries, you must carefully slide
the battery compartment lid downwards.

Exchange the batteries and close the lid again. Pay attention to the right polarity of the bat-
teries. With wrong inserted batteries the device can not be turned on!

The use of rechargeable batteries (Accumulators) is not recommended.

If you do not intend to use the DOSIMAX plus I for a longer period of time,
please remove the batteries before storage.

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6.2. Warranty

General
IBA Dosimetry warrants the DOSIMAX plus I and associated accessories to be free of de-
fects within the warranty period. In case of defects, IBA Dosimetry will correct the fault or
replace the product. In the case of a fault, the owner should first report the problem to the
supplier or the manufacturer, IBA Dosimetry GmbH.
The following information must be given in order to claim for warranty:
 Error description
 Purchase Date
 The model number of the item which is faulty
 The serial number of the item which is faulty
The cost of packing and shipping goods for return shall be the responsibility of the owner
unless otherwise agreed in writing prior to shipment. Any damage caused during shipment
of returned goods shall be the responsibility of the owner. On receipt of the goods the manu-
facturer will carry out an inspection to confirm the problem is covered by this warranty. In
cases were the problem is not covered by warranty, the owner will receive a quote for re-
pair.
The terms of this warranty do not affect the owner’s statutory rights under applicable nation-
al or local legislation or claims against a local supplier arising from a sale or purchase con-
tract. Claims of this nature should be addressed to the supplier.
IBA Dosimetry is not liable for damages that result of use or operation, which is not ap-
proved by the manufacturer.

Limitations
The warranty does not cover the following:
 Periodic checks, calibrations or preventive maintenance
 Defects with equipment which has been modified without the written approval of the
manufacturer
 Damage resulting from normal wear and tear
 Damage resulting from improper use or handling including, but not limited to, the
product being dropped or incorrectly installed
 Accidents or disasters which are beyond the control of the manufacturer, including,
but not limited to lightning, fire, public disturbances and improper ventilation
 Damage due transportation of the system

It is the user’s responsibility to follow the guidance given in this user

manual together with established professional practice to ensure the
product is in usable condition and is being used correctly.

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6.3. Recycling
This measuring device and its components contain electronic components, liquid crystal
displays and batteries.

None of the parts mentioned may be disposed of by way of the general

house or hospital waste disposal system. If you have no facility to convert
the device to electronic waste at the end of its life cycle, please return it to
IBA Dosimetry GmbH. We will carry out an environmentally correct recy-
cling.

6.4. Customer Feedback

Product queries and complaints are dealt with according to the established procedures of
the IBA Dosimetry quality assurance system.
At Problems with the device, please contact IBA Dosimetry:
IBA Dosimetry GmbH, Bahnhofstraße 5, DE-90592 Schwarzenbruck
Tel: +49 9128 607-14, Fax: +49 9128 607-10

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7. Technical Specifications

7.1. Basic unit

Wave form: 1-pulse up to medium frequency / high frequency

generators

Exposure time: 1 ms to 19999 s

Reset: automatically
Auto off: automatically after 10 minutes of inactivity or manually

Power supply: 4 Mignon batteries(AA) 1,5V each or alkaline (LR6)

Working time: 15 hours (alkaline batteries)
Display: LCD-DOT-Matrix, 5 Digits and units
Weight: 280 g / 0.44 lb (basic equipment without batteries)
290 g / 0.64 lb (basic equipment with batteries)

Size (L x W x H): 145 x 90 x 35 mm, (5.8’ x 3.5’ x 1.4’)

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7.2. Detector DEDX

(integrated into the patient equivalent attenuator)

Type of detector: Silicon photodiode (pin)

Measurement principle: Ionization current in the semiconductor detec-
tor
Detector patch cord: Tri axial plug type Lemosa, size 0
Nominal measuring range for 50-120 kV tube voltage in the attenuated
diagnostic beam qualities: useful beam (RQR 3 – RQR 9, acc. DIN EN
61267)
Calibration: 0.24 mGy/nC factor (70 kV, 2.5 mm Al)
Response: 4.17 nC/mGy
Dose measuring range: 2 µGy to 9999 mGy
Dose rate measuring range: 20 µGy/s to 1 Gy/s
Measuring uncertainty: < 5 % (at minimal Dose rate 20 µGy/s)
Weight: 1.200 g (2.6 lb)
Size (L x W x H): 175 x 170 x 32 mm (6.9’ x 6.7’ x 1.3’)
Cable length to detector: 200 cm (78.7’)
Maximum cable length: 10 m (394’)
Calibration Reference Point: 70 kV, 2.5 mm Al

Beam quality voltage [kV] 1. HVL [mm Al] Filtration [mm Al] Cq
RQR 3 50 1.8 2.5 1,27
RQR 4 60 2.0 2.5 1,10
RQR 5 70 2.5 2.5 1,00
RQR 6 80 2.9 2.5 0,95
RQR 7 90 3.3 2.5 0,90
RQR 8 100 3.7 2.5 0,88
RQR 9 120 4.5 2.5 0,85

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7.3. Detector RQA
(Detector for measurements in conventional radiography)
Measurement principle:
Detector patch cord:
Nominal measuring range for
diagnostic beam qualities:
Calibration factor:
Response:
Dose measuring range:
For the Dose rate range:
Measurement uncertainty:
Weight:
Size (L x W x H):
Maximum cable length:
Calibration reference point:
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Ionization current in the semiconductor
detector
Triaxial plug type Lemosa, size 0
50-150 kV tube voltage in the unattenuated
useful beam (RQR 3 – RQR 10, acc. DIN EN
61267)
50-150 kV tube voltage in the attenuated
useful beam (RQA 3 - RQA 10, acc. DIN EN
61267)
0.0188 mGy/nC (70 kV, 2.5 mm Al)
0.0174 mGy/nC (70 kV, 25 mm Al)
53.2 nC/mGy (70 kV, 2.5 mm Al)
57.5 nC/mGy (70 kV, 25 mm Al)
200 nGy bis 9999 mGy
80 nGy/s bis 70 mGy/s
< 5 % (by a minimal dose rate of 80 nGy/s)
85 g (0.18 lb)
45 x 20 x 8 mm (1.7’ x 0.78’ x 0.31’)
10 m (394’)
70 kV, 2.5 mm Al, 1 m distance (RQR5)
70 kV, 25 mm Al, 1 m distance (RQA5)
 DOSIMAX plus I

1. HVL Filtration
Beam quality voltage [kV] Cq
[mm Al] [mm Al]
RQR 3 50 1,8 2.5 1.015

RQR 4 60 2,0 2.5 1.008

RQR 5 70 2,5 2.5 1.000

RQR 6 80 2,9 2.5 0.992

RQR 7 90 3,3 2.5 0.986

RQR 8 100 3,7 2.5 0.982

RQR 9 120 4,5 2.5 0.979

RQR 10 150 5,7 2,5 0,987

1. FWHM Filtering
Beam quality voltage [kV] Cq
[mm Al] [mm Al]
RQA 3 50 3,8 2,5 + 10 1,016

RQA 4 60 5,4 2,5 + 16 1,016

RQA 5 70 6,8 2,5 + 21 1,000

RQA 6 80 8,2 2,5 + 26 0,975

RQA 7 90 9,2 2,5 + 30 0,962

RQA 8 100 10,1 2,5 + 34 0,957

RQA 9 120 11,6 2,5 + 40 0,964

RQA 10 150 12,8 2,5 + 45 1,011

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7.4. Detector RQM

(Detector for measurements in conventional mammography)

Type of detector: Silicon photodiode (PIN)

Measurement principle: Ionization current in the semiconductor detector
Detector patch cord: Triaxial plug type Lemosa, size 0
Nominal measuring range for 25 – 35 kV tube voltage in the unattenuated useful
diagnostic beam qualities: beam (RQR-M1 – RQR-M4)

Calibration factor: 0.12 mGy/nC (28 kV; 30 µmMo)

Response: 8.3 nC/mGy (28 kV; 30 µmMo)

Dose measuring area: 500 nGy – 9999 mGy

Dose rate range: 1.5 µGy/s – 300 mGy/s
Measurement uncertainty: < 5 % (at a minimum dose rate of 1.5 µGy/s)
Weight: 85 g / 0.18 lb
Size (L x W x H): 45 x 20 x 8 mm / 1.7’ x 0.78’ x 0.31’
Cable length of the detector: 200 cm / 78.7’
Max. cable length: 10 m / 394’
Calibration reference point: 28 kV; 30 µmMo; 0.5m distance (RQR-M2)
Direction of incidence: vertically to the detector surface
Reference point: round marking
Back scatter: None, since it is shielded from the back

Beam quality Voltage [kV] 1.HVL [mm Al] Filtration [µmMo] Cq

RQR-M1 25 0.28 30 1.006

RQR-M2 28 0.31 30 1.000
RQR-M3 30 0.33 30 0.995
RQR-M4 35 0.36 30 0.985
RQA-M1 25 0.56 30 + 2 mm Al 0.961
RQA-M2 28 0.60 30 + 2 mm Al 0.996
RQA-M3 30 0.62 30 + 2 mm Al 0.979
RQA-M4 35 0.68 30 + 2 mm Al 0.983

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8. Index

A M
Allowed Environmental Conditions 6
Measuring Setup 10
Measuring setup procedure 10
B mechanical influence 11
Basic Unit 16
Battery change 13 O
ON/OFF button 8
C Operating the basic unit 8
Calibration and Quality Assurance 12 Optional Components 8
Customer Feedback 15 Overflow 12

D P
Declaration of Conformity 5 PARAMETER buttons 9
Detector DEDX 7 Patient equivalent filter, specification 17
Detector DEDX, technical data 17 Polarity 13
Detector extension cable 8 Power supply 12, 16
Detector RQA 7
Detector RQA, technical data 18 R
Detector RQM 7
Recycling 15
Detector RQM, technical data 20
Reference point 11
Display test 10
DOSE button 9
DOSE measurements 11 S
Dose rate button 9 Safety and Warning Instructions 6
DOSIMAX plus I 7 Safety Inspections 13
Service 13
F Short Description 4
Standard Components 7
Function and Use 8
Storage 13
System Components 7
I
Important Information 6 T
Intended Use 4
Technical Specifications 16, 21
Time button 9
L Troubleshooting 12
Limitations 14
W
Warranty 14

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© IBA Dosimetry GmbH 2008 | VD UM Dosimax plus I 001

Subject to change without any notification!

IBA Dosimetry GmbH

Bahnhofstraße 5 | 90592 Schwarzenbruck | Germany | Tel.: +49 9128 607 14 | Fax: +49 9128 607 814

www.iba-dosimetry.com | info@iba-dosimetry.com

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