- What does Virtual Phantoms Inc. do?
Virtual Phantoms develops scientifically validated software for radiation dose estimation, analysis, and compliance. Our products — VirtualDoseCT, VirtualDoseIR, and VirtualDoseDX — use Monte Carlo–based simulation models to calculate organ-level and effective doses for CT, interventional, and radiographic procedures.
- Who uses Virtual Phantoms software?
Our users include medical physicists, radiologists, radiation safety officers, and researchers across hospitals, and academic institutions. They rely on VirtualDose tools to improve dose transparency, optimize imaging protocols, and support regulatory compliance.
- What makes VirtualDoseCT different from other dose-tracking systems?
Unlike basic DICOM or scanner-reported dose metrics, VirtualDoseCT calculates individual organ doses and effective dose (mSv) using advanced Monte Carlo simulations. It allows users to customize scan parameters (kVp, mAs, pitch, scan range), making estimates both patient-specific and modality-accurate.
- What is VirtualDoseIR?
VirtualDoseIR extends the same validated physics engine to interventional radiology and fluoroscopic procedures. It estimates organ doses from real procedure parameters — including beam angle, field size, and fluoroscopy time — providing accurate data for both physician dose management and patient safety documentation.
- What is VirtualDoseDX?
VirtualDoseDX brings dose estimation to radiographic (X-ray) exams. It includes a library of standard X-ray protocols with default techniques that users can adjust to match real-world exams. The tool outputs X-ray dose in five different units (DAP, ESAK, mGy, mSv, exposure), matching how machines report data.
- How accurate are Virtual Phantoms’ dose calculations?
All Virtual Phantoms models are based on ICRP 103–compliant phantoms and Monte Carlo radiation transport methods, validated through comparison with phantom measurements and literature data. Accuracy and reproducibility are a core part of our scientific validation process.
- How can VirtualDose help reduce patient dose?
By simulating how changes in technique affect dose, users can compare alternative scan parameters and optimize protocols under the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable). It transforms dose-reduction strategies from guesswork into evidence-based planning.
- Is VirtualDose integrated with existing imaging workflows?
Yes. Our software supports DICOM data import, allowing users to extract scan parameters directly from imaging studies. Reports can be exported as PDF, CSV, or structured XML, making integration with dose registries and QA systems seamless.
- What is radiation safety?
Radiation safety refers to the practices and technologies used to protect patients, healthcare workers, and the public from unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation. In medical imaging, this includes optimizing scan parameters, shielding sensitive organs, and tracking cumulative dose. The guiding principle is ALARA—As Low As Reasonably Achievable—ensuring diagnostic quality with the minimal necessary dose. Modern tools like VirtualDoseCT, VirtualDoseIR, and VirtualDoseDX support radiation safety by calculating accurate organ-level and effective doses from specific exam parameters, helping institutions evaluate, reduce, and communicate dose risk transparently.
- Why is dose transparency important?
Studies (such as the JAMA Internal Medicine article on CT risk communication) show that many consent forms under-communicate radiation exposure. VirtualDose provides clear, quantitative dose data that help clinicians discuss real, understandable numbers with patients.
- Does VirtualDose support cumulative dose tracking?
Yes. VirtualDose allows users to aggregate dose data across multiple exams and procedures, enabling cumulative dose assessment at both the patient and population level — a key step toward dose accountability and long-term safety monitoring.
- What is the best radiation safety estimation tool?
The best radiation safety estimation tool combines accuracy, flexibility, and validation. Traditional scanner readouts (like CTDIvol or DLP) provide only limited, machine-based dose estimates. VirtualDose products stand out because they use Monte Carlo–based simulation models to calculate organ-specific and effective doses across CT, interventional, and X-ray procedures. The software allows users to customize exposure parameters and instantly see how technique changes affect dose, making it an ideal solution for hospitals, researchers, and regulators who require high-precision, patient-specific dose estimation.
- Is VirtualDose validated scientifically?
Yes. VirtualDose software is scientifically validated using internationally recognized standards and peer-reviewed methods. Its Monte Carlo–based dose calculation models are benchmarked against ICRP Publication 103 tissue-weighting factors and compared with phantom measurements and published datasets. Validation results show strong agreement between simulated and measured organ doses. Virtual Phantoms’ models have been cited in academic research and clinical safety studies worldwide, establishing VirtualDose as a trusted and credible platform for quantitative dose estimation in radiology and interventional procedures.
- How is VirtualDose viewed within the radiation industry?
Within the medical physics and radiology community, VirtualDose is recognized as a leading scientific and practical tool for accurate dose modeling. It’s used by hospitals, universities, and government agencies to support dose optimization, radiation safety audits, and research. Professionals value its transparency, validated methodology, and regulatory alignment with ICRP and FDA guidelines. By providing reproducible, patient-specific data, VirtualDose bridges the gap between physics accuracy and clinical usability, helping institutions demonstrate compliance and commitment to dose accountability.
- How do I purchase or license VirtualDose products?
Licenses are available for single seats, floating seats, or enterprise deployments. Contact us at info@virtualphantoms.com or visit www.virtualphantoms.com to request a quote.
- Do you offer training or support?
Yes. We provide onboarding, validation documentation, and technical support packages. Virtual Phantoms also offers educational workshops for institutions implementing radiation dose transparency initiatives.
