The role of standards laboratories in reducing uncertainty in clinical dosimetry: A Canadian perspective

Abstract

As a National Metrology Institute, the National Research Council Canada (NRC) provides confidence in measurement results, and data traceable to SI units. This paper outlines some of the ways that the NRC contributes to reducing measurement uncertainty in clinical medical physics dosimetry. These activities include, (i) the improvement of existing primary standards and traceability for established beam modalities, such as MV photon and electron beams; (ii) improving measurement accuracy for new beam modalities through the development of transportable systems which permit operation at the user’s facility; (iii) contributing to new dosimetry protocols, best practice reports and educational outreach; and (iv) supporting the verification of clinical implementation by offering dosimetry auditing capabilities through coordination with the clinical medical physics community.