Inputs
Formula Used
Effective dose is a risk‑weighted quantity that combines equivalent dose values from different tissues. For each tissue T, compute the contribution:
The total effective dose is the sum across all tissues: E = Σ ET = Σ(wT × HT).
How to Use This Calculator
- Add one row per tissue or organ you want to include.
- Select a tissue to auto‑populate a typical wT.
- Enter the tissue equivalent dose HT and choose units.
- Use “Add Row” for additional tissues or custom entries.
- Press “Calculate” to see totals and per‑tissue contributions.
Example Data Table
| Tissue | wT | HT (mSv) | ET (mSv) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lung | 0.12 | 2.50 | 0.300 |
| Thyroid | 0.04 | 1.20 | 0.048 |
| Skin | 0.01 | 4.00 | 0.040 |
| Total Effective Dose | 0.388 mSv | ||
Equivalent Dose and Effective Dose in Practice
In radiation protection, numbers become meaningful when they describe likely health impact. Equivalent dose (HT) captures radiation type effects within a tissue, while effective dose (E) combines tissue sensitivity to summarize overall stochastic risk. This calculator converts multiple tissue equivalent doses into a single effective dose using weighting factors, helping you compare procedures, optimize protocols, and document exposures consistently.
1) Why tissue weighting matters
Different organs do not respond equally to the same equivalent dose. Tissue weighting factors represent relative sensitivity to long-term effects, so lung and colon typically contribute more to effective dose than skin for the same HT. Applying wT prevents underestimating risk when dose is concentrated in radiosensitive tissues.
2) Data entry that matches measurement workflows
Dose reports may provide organ doses from imaging, treatment planning, or workplace monitoring. Enter one row per organ with its HT value and unit (Sv, mSv, µSv, or nSv). The tool converts every entry to Sv internally, multiplies by wT, and shows each tissue contribution in both Sv and mSv.
3) Understanding the output table
The results table lists your original HT, the standardized HT in Sv, and ET for each tissue. Summing ET gives the total effective dose. If one tissue dominates the total, it may highlight shielding opportunities, positioning adjustments, or protocol changes that reduce overall risk.
4) Unit consistency and magnitude checks
Effective dose is commonly reported in mSv for diagnostic ranges. A quick quality check is to verify that large changes in units do not change the physics: 1 mSv equals 1000 µSv. If your total appears unexpectedly high or low, scan for a unit mismatch or an extra zero in one row.
5) Using standard factors versus custom values
The tissue list can auto-fill typical weighting factors to reduce manual errors. When your organization uses a different standard or a specific study protocol, select “Custom” and enter the factor directly. The calculator accepts any wT from 0 to 1 and recalculates instantly.
6) Applications in reporting and optimization
Effective dose is frequently used to compare examination types, track trends across time, and support radiation safety documentation. The export buttons create clean CSV and PDF outputs that fit into audits, internal reviews, and patient communication summaries without reformatting spreadsheets.
7) Interpreting effective dose responsibly
Effective dose is a population-based risk indicator, not a patient-specific prediction. Age, sex, clinical context, and exposure geometry influence outcomes. Use the calculated E value to support optimization and comparison, and rely on qualified professionals for formal risk assessment.
FAQs
1) What is the difference between equivalent dose and effective dose?
Equivalent dose applies radiation weighting within a tissue. Effective dose sums tissue equivalent doses using tissue weighting factors to express an overall risk-weighted dose for comparison and reporting.
2) Can I calculate effective dose from a single organ dose?
Yes. Enter one row with the organ’s HT and its wT. The tool will compute ET and the total will match that single contribution.
3) Which units should I use for HT?
Use the unit from your report: Sv, mSv, µSv, or nSv. The calculator converts values to Sv internally, then displays totals in Sv, mSv, and µSv for convenience.
4) What if my tissue weighting factors differ from the presets?
Select “Custom” for the tissue and enter your factor, or overwrite the auto-filled value. Ensure factors are dimensionless and between 0 and 1.
5) Why does one tissue dominate the total effective dose?
A large HT in a sensitive organ or a higher wT can dominate. Review unit choices, confirm the organ selection, and check whether exposure conditions concentrated dose in that tissue.
6) Is effective dose the same as absorbed dose?
No. Absorbed dose is energy per mass (Gy). Equivalent dose accounts for radiation type, and effective dose adds tissue sensitivity to produce a risk-weighted summary in Sv.
7) Are the CSV and PDF exports safe to use in reports?
They are suitable for documentation and calculations, but always follow your organization’s review process. Confirm inputs, units, and weighting factors before filing results in clinical or compliance records.