KermaX-plus^®

The area of application includes the measurement of the surface dose in adults as well as in the pediatric field (X-rays of children).

Ionizing radiation can lead to increased radiation exposure and cause damage to patients and users even at low doses. These can contribute to secondary diseases under various circumstances. Therefore, radiologists weigh the benefits of X-ray radiation against the possible risks before each application.

In addition to medical responsibility, it is legally required to record the parameters for determining the patient dose in connection with ionizing radiation. For this purpose, the KermaX-plus^® from IBA Dosimetry is used. Here, the dose area product is determined using the transparent ionization chamber. This makes it possible to determine the individual radiation exposure of the patient. To classify the level of exposed radiation, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection regularly publishes diagnostic reference values, which can be compared with the measured DAP.

The KermaX-plus^® DAP is a fully equipped dose area product measurement chamber with various advantages for medical personnel and patients:

• Adaptation to patients
• Low installation costs
• Compliance with international standards
• Efficient real-time measurements
• LCD display for immediate reading of measurements

An optical and operational advantage of the KermaX-plus^® is that the electronics are already fully integrated into the housing. Therefore, no external electronics need to be retrofitted or installed.

The data is recorded by the KermaX-plus^® through the measurement chamber. The entrance surface dose is internally compared with the diagnostic reference values published by the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) and the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety (BMU). This allows for the immediate and effective monitoring of a patient who has been overexposed. Medical professionals can adjust the requirements for each patient individually. Subsequent examinations can be conducted with the lowest possible dose. Thus, KermaX-plus^® contributes to comprehensive radiation protection.

In terms of equipment, the KermaX-plus^® dose area product measurement chamber offers a significant advantage. The device can be connected not only with a standard internet cable but also with an RJ45 adapter. RJ45 connections are known from the ports on Wi-Fi routers, ensuring easy usability.

Another advantage is the usable surface area of the measurement chamber. Users have access to 140 mm², which can be fully utilized for measuring X-rays and their dosage.

Diagnostic reference values are dose values established for a normal, typical X-ray examination of a standard patient. This patient weighs between 67 and 73 kilograms. In case of deviations, radiation exposure must be individually adjusted to improve medical imaging.

An X-ray machine operating within the acceptable limit or above the reference values can indicate potentially poor quality. Often, these deficiencies in image quality are compensated by increasing the dose, which can be harmful to the patient.

This increase in dose is detected and can be read by the KermaX-plus® dose area product measurement chamber from IBA Dosimetry. According to § 85 of the German Radiation Protection Act (StrlSchG), it is required to keep records of the application of ionizing radiation or radioactive substances on humans.

With the KermaX-plus^®, it can be determined whether the X-ray device used still functions within the framework of patient safety. This is an essential component and the basis of the corresponding quality assurance.

The measurement chamber displays the exposure in μGym². This provides users within medical imaging with an innovative technical solution. With the DAP measurement chamber with integrated electronics, both the dose area product (DAP) (μGym²) and the DAP rate (μGym²/s) are measured. The range captured is between a minimum of 0.1 μGym²/s and 3,000.00 μGym²/s, with a resolution of 0.01 μGym²/s.

The measurement field of the KermaX-plus^® dose area product measurement chamber typically has an area of 140 mm². Additionally, the device operates with an optical transparency of ≥ 75%. The mechanical adaptation to the collimators of various manufacturers runs via an adapter rail. Thus, the measurement chamber can be directly inserted into the accessory rail of the collimator. The rails are usually delivered for distances of 176 mm or 167 mm. If you need other distances, you can contact our service team and request them.

Users of the KermaX-plus^® measurement chamber can achieve the best possible patient safety. One reason for this is that the image quality for diagnosis and therapy is ensured at a high level. Additionally, through the precisely displayed radiation measurement in μGym², a minimization of radiation doses for patients can be achieved within the framework of quality assurance.

This allows doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities to offer their services regarding radiation exposure in a high-quality framework. IBA Dosimetry supports you in protecting your staff and patients.

For different X-ray systems and user situations, there are a variety of specially optimized versions of KermaX plus. Contact our service team at IBA Dosimetry for advice.