Calibration of the photon component of 198Au stents

Purpose 198Au has promising characteristics for radioactive stent material, having properties as a mixed β-particle and γ emitter. Calibration of these radioactive stents is required to provide accurate clinical dosimetry. Methods and materials We have developed an electroplating technique to incorporate stable gold onto stents followed by activation to 198Au in the University of Wisconsin nuclear reactor. The calibration method is a modification of the NIST traceable, in-air calibration technique for high-dose-rate (HDR) 192Ir sources. Results The air-kerma strength of HDR and low-dose-rate (LDR) sources was measured for proof of principle and found to agree to within 3% of values obtained with other NIST traceable calibration techniques. The photon component of two 198Au radioactive stents was measured over a period of 3 days. Conclusion The air-kerma strength of HDR and LDR sources was measured for proof of principle and found to agree to within 3% of values obtained with other NIST traceable calibration techniques.