(R) R is a unit to express exposure to radiation (x-rays or gamma rays). 1 R corresponds to the generation of approximately 2.08 x10⁹ ion pairs (1 electrostatic unit of charge) (in 1 cm³ of dry air at 0 °C and 760 torr). 1 R, converted to SI, equals 2.58 x10^-4 coulombs per kg of air.

(rem) The rem is the dose equivalent of the absorbed dose considering the biological efficiency of the radiation, also called quality factor. With a quality factor of 1 is 1 rem equal to 1.07185 roentgens. One millirem is one thousandth of one rem.
In the SI system of units the rem is replaced by the sievert (Sv), which is numerically equal to the absorbed dose in gray modified by a radiation weighting factor. The conversion factor has been readjusted from 1 to 1.07185 so that 100 rem are equal to 1 Sv.

Dosage is an important factor in the use of ionization radiation as well as in application of contrast agents or radiopharmaceuticals and the dosage should be comply with the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).
Ionizing radiation comes from natural and artificial sources. Radiation effects depend on the type of radiation, and various units are used for measurement of dosages including gray, sievert, radiation absorbed dose (RAD), roentgen equivalent in man (REM), and roentgen. The amount of radiopharmaceutical given to a patient is measured in becquerels (Bq).
The dosage of contrast media in radiographic or computer-tomographic procedures should be tailored according to the diagnostic indications, the iodine concentration, and the patient's body size and age.

See also Administrative Dose Guidelines.

A photon is a discrete packet of electromagnetic energy. The amount of energy depends on the frequency (wavelength) of the photon. Highest frequency, most energetic photon radiations are gamma rays, up to 300 EHz - 1.24 MeV. In addition to energy, photons are also carrying momentum.
Photons have no electrical charge or rest mass and exhibit both particle and wave behavior.
Photons are traveling in vacuum (without interactions with matter) with the constant velocity of 2.9979 x 10⁸ m/s (c, speed of light).
Photons get absorbed or scattered away from their original direction of travel when interacting with matter.
High energy photons as for example x-rays cause damages to exposed tissue and cells. Radiation exposure is measured in roentgen, radiation absorption in Roentgen//min.
Photon radiation in the frequency ranges of x-rays and gamma rays are used for medical diagnostic and treatment.

See also Photon Energy and Gamma Ray.

(Bq) Becquerel is the system international (SI) since 1985 new unit of radioactivity. 1 becquerel is equal to 1 disintegration per second.
1 Bq = 0.027 x10^-9 Ci (Curie).
In medicine and radiation protection the SI measurement units of becquerel, gray and sievert (should) have replaced the conventional units of curie, rad and rem.

To convert:


See also Gray, Sievert, Roentgen Equivalent In Man, Radiation Absorbed Dose, Count and Becquerel Antoine Henri.