Glossary of Terms and Concepts in Medical Radiation Physics. Terminology Used in Quality Assurance of External Radiation Therapy

Abstract

Medical radiation physics supports medical diagnostic and treatment process based on the use of ionizing radiation in radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, radiation diagnostics and radiation safety of patients and personnel. However, the successful implementation of this process requires close interaction of specialists in all the above areas. The basis of such interaction is the unification of the terminology and concepts used at various stages of the diagnostic and treatment process. The article presents a glossary on quality assurance of external radiation therapy which contains the most commonly used terms in this field and explanations for each of them. The glossary is intended for use both in professional education, including postgraduate education, and for medical physicists and radiation oncologists working in radiological medical organizations.