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| Split-Dose Exposure Radiation Delivery |
In a split-dose exposure, the total delivered dose is sub-divided into two smaller doses, usually of equal size. By varying the time interval between the first and second dose, the biological response to radiation can be modulated. Figure 1 to the right is an example of a split-dose exposure scenario that delivers a total dose of 10 Gy. The 10 Gy total dose is delivered as two 5 Gy doses (or dose fractions) separated by a 1 hour time interval. Each 5 Gy dose is delivered at 100 Gy/h. Significance: The combined effects of two doses of radiation tends to increase as the time interval between them decreases. | Figure 1. Split-dose exposure scenario (click on figure to enlarge)  |
| In addition to varying the time between the doses, biological responses can also be modulated by varying the dose rate used to deliver each dose fraction, e.g., as shown in Figure 2. In this split-dose exposure, a 10 Gy total dose is delivered in two 5 Gy fractions. Each dose fraction is delivered at 10 Gy/h instead of 100 Gy/h as in Figure 1. | Figure 2. Split-dose exposure scenario |
| School of Health Sciences Purdue University Disclaimer | Last updated: 10 June, 2011 |
