How to use DoseControl in 'manual mode'

Quick summary - Any user (with a Technician role) can create a report and use the software’s reporting and dosimeter measurement features.

The Application Admin must enable Manual Mode to allow use of this feature. See Setup - Manual Mode.

What is Manual Mode?

Manual Mode allows the user to record dosimeter measurements in the DoseControl software when the configured reader (spectrophotometer) is disconnected from the system. The user measures the dosimeter in the reader and then types the absorbance value in the DoseControl measurement screen; the absorbance value is recorded in the dosimetry report just as an automatic measurement would be. This feature can be very helpful when validating the dose output of the software after configuring a calibration for a dosimeter batch, or if some event occurs that prevents the spectrophotometer from connecting to the software.

How to Use Manual Mode

1        If the configured reader for the workstation is not connected or is powered off, then the Manual Mode button will appear on the measurement screen. The Reader Status will display Failed because the reader is disconnected. Toggle Manual Mode to the “on” position. The toggle switch will have a green color to indicate Manual Mode is operating.

2        Type the dosimeter ID into the Dosimeter ID field on the measurement screen. Click “Add Dosimeter” button. You will see the dosimeter’s ID added to the Dosimeters list without an absorbance value, thickness or calculated dose:

3        Using the reader, measure the dosimeter’s absorbance value and note the value displayed on the reader’s screen (GENESYS 20 or 30) or in the Thermo Insight software (Evolution). Ensure the measurement wavelength is correct for the type of dosimeter being measured. Use 552nm for B3 dosimeters.

4        Type the measured absorbance value into the DoseControl. Click the “Save” button.

5        The thickness value automatically populates (this is the thickness from the calibration) and the software calculates the dose. You will see the dosimeter’s absorbance value, thickness value, and dose displayed in the dosimeter list.

Any entry done in Manual Mode is flagged as ‘manual’ in the database to distinguish it from automatic measurements.