Fluke Biomedical 37-705 - Manual (Page 5)

Introduction
General Description
1
1-1
Section 1
Introduction
1.1 General Description
The VeriDose V is a microprocessor based five-channel diode dosimeter for use with radiation sensing
diodes. The unit is manufactured by Fluke Biomedical. It provides integrated dose and dose rate display
capabilities for patient dose verification and quality assurance in radiation therapy. The diodes may be
attached to a patient's skin during radiation therapy when the patient is being exposed to x-rays or
electrons. The diodes produce a current directly proportional to the ionizing radiation to which they are
exposed. These diodes are directly connected to the VeriDose V. Dose measurements are displayed in
units of cGy while rate measurements are shown in units of cGy/minute.
The VeriDose V is intended as a readout for detector diodes (user supplied) used for the detection of
ionizing radiation, it should only be used by responsible persons who have the proper training in the
interpretation of its readings and the appropriate safety procedures to be followed in the presence of
radiation.
The VeriDose V is compatible with VeriDose diodes as well as most industry standard radiation sensitive
diodes. VeriDose diodes are available to cover a wide range of energies. These diodes feature a hemi-
spherical shape for improved surface contact with the patient. The model numbers for the VeriDose
diodes are shown in the accessories table.
The VeriDose V may be used with continuous and pulsed radiation beams (Cobalt 60 and linear accelera-
tors). The VeriDose V is well suited for use with both static and dynamic wedge fields as well as irregular
fields and MLC applications.
The VeriDose V features a backlit LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a menu driven user interface. A
keypad with 5 soft-keys, a scroll up, scroll down and enter key provide for easy navigation through the
menu structure. An ON/OFF switch, power input connector and RS-232 serial port are located on the right
side panel. The rear panel contains the five BNC connectors for the diode inputs and a parallel printer
port. Calibration data can be stored for 25 groups, containing up to five diodes each. These user-
calibrated groups can be recalled and selected for subsequent measurements. User calibration and
treatment data can be transmitted to a printer or computer. An optional label printer is available for direct
printout of measured dose to affix to patient charts. A real-time clock provides a time and date stamp for
all measurements. The RAM (Random Access Memory) is backed-up by an internal 3.6 V, 370 mAh
lithium battery (P/N16-41).
1.2 Features
• Backlit Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and easy-to-use soft-key menu system
• Five independent detector channels with BNC connectors
• Automatic zeroing of each channel to minimize the effects of drift
• RS-232 serial port for computer interface
• Parallel printer interface
• User entered institution name printed on reports
• A group database containing up to 25 diode groups, with up to 5 diodes per group, may be
configured, labeled and calibrated by the operator for subsequent measurements.
• Provides an alarm setting for each individual channel