If the air kerma strength of a brachytherapy source is 180 muSv^2 / h, what is the dose equivalent rate near the hands about 30 cm from the source?

To determine the dose equivalent rate near the hands about 30 cm from the brachytherapy source, it’s essential to understand the relationship between air kerma strength and dose equivalent rate.

The air kerma strength (S) values are given in units of µSv²/h, which describes how much radiation dose is expected to be deposited in air from a source at a specific distance. For brachytherapy sources, the calculation of dose at a point in space, like near the hands, often involves not only the air kerma strength but also the distance from the source and conversion factors related to the specific radiation type.

In this scenario, the air kerma strength is provided as 180 µSv²/h. According to established principles in radiation dosimetry, dose rate at a given distance can be derived from the air kerma strength by applying specific conversion factors (often tabulated for different kinds of sources and conditions) used to relate air kerma strength to dose to tissue.

At a distance of 30 cm, certain general approximations and factors are applied, taking into account distance and possible attenuation in tissues. In this case, it is calculated that the dose equivalent rate corresponds to about 2 mSv/h. The conversion is particularly relevant