Radiation Dosimetry Services

Since our inception in 1985, the UT MD Anderson Radiation Dosimetry Services (RDS) has supported the safe delivery of  radiotherapy by providing independent, peer-reviewed radiation beam output checks. We offer flexible and scalable output-verification services tailored to the needs of the radiotherapy centers we serve with options for annual, biannual, monthly, or on-demand monitoring. The RDS also supports specialized dosimetry needs, including commissioning and post-treatment dose verification for total body irradiation (TBI) and total skin electron irradiation (TSEI), as well as custom dosimetry projects. In addition, RDS conducts dose checks for blood irradiators, a critical service for ensuring transfusion safety for vulnerable populations, including oncology patients.

The RDS Primary Focus

We are guided by a singular purpose, to deliver reliable TLD-based dose verification for every partner we serve, every treatment beam we monitor, and every patient treated at the centers we support. Your output checks are our priority.

Summary of RDS Services

Radiation Therapy Machine Output Checks

RDS provides independent peer reviews of beam output for radiation dose delivery systems. Specifically, we provide output checks for external beam radiation therapy machines including:

• Megavoltage photon(2–⁠25 MV)
• Electrons (4–⁠20 MeV)
• Orthovoltage (1.9 mm Al–⁠3 mm Cu HVL)
• Cobalt-60

Absorbed Dose in Blood Irradiators

TLD are available by mail to check the absorbed dose to the blood in irradiators used by blood banks. Packets of dosimeters are supplied; these can be placed at various locations to monitor the range of dose throughout the canister for a typical irradiation. These measurements are an independent check of the calibration of the blood irradiator as provided by the manufacturer.

Radiation Dosimetry Services also offers checks of:

• Total body irradiation (TBI)
• Total skin electron irradiation (TSEI)

Beam Output Check Frequency Options

Most radiotherapy centers choose to monitor their beams annually; however, many opt for biannual, quarterly, or even monthly checks. We send shipments worldwide daily.  We also offer rush orders (mailed same day ) for special circumstances, e.g., commissioned LINACS, following a major repair, or anytime a physicist has a beam output concern. At RDS, shipments are available on demand, giving you the flexibility to select the monitoring.

Over our four-decade history, RDS has become a trusted global partner for radiotherapy centers seeking peer-reviewed radiation beam output checks and regulatory confidence. We have served approximately:

• 3,000 radiotherapy centers  in the United States
• 300 radiotherapy centers worldwide

RDS  has used TLD for our peer review services since our inception, reflecting our deep expertise and longstanding leadership in TLD-based dosimetry. From 1995 to 2025 (data not available for 1985–1995), RDS has evaluated more than 1.4 million TLD, representing over 290,000 clinical radiotherapy beams monitored. 

• Over 290,000 radiotherapy beams checked
• Over 1,400,000 TLD read

Types of Centers Served by RDS

The RDS client base includes a diverse range of institutions across the clinical, research, and broader health care sectors:

• Clinical radiotherapy centers in the U.S. not participating in NCI-funded clinical trials, which are ineligible for output checks through the Imaging and Radiation Oncology Core-Houston
• Clinical radiotherapy centers in the U.S. participating in clinical trials that seek output verification beyond protocol requirements, including expanded electron beam coverage and more frequent beam checks across all energies
• International radiotherapy centers
• U.S. and international research facilities 
• U.S. and international blood irradiator facilities

As we look to the future, RDS is committed to strengthening our partnerships worldwide, with a steadfast focus on the safety and care of every patient treated at the radiotherapy centers we support through independent peer-reviewed output checks. We invite you to partner with us and experience the confidence that comes from trusted, independent verification.