*** BUG Reports and Notices ***

Notice to VARSKIN 3 Users
(RSICC Package CCC-522/VARSKIN)

Varskin 3 Version 3.1.0 corrects a programming error in earlier versions of Varskin 3 that occurred when calculating the percent of electronic equilibrium established for the photon dose model. In general, the correction will result in lower doses calculated for radionuclides that emit high-energy photons, especially at shallow skin depths. Although this correction makes photon dose calculations more accurate, it still assumes that the photon source is a point source; and build up as a function of depth is not modeled. Subsequent versions of Varskin will take into account distributed sources and build up. The NRC is sponsoring a further enhancement to replace the existing photon dose algorithm, develop a quality assurance program for the beta dose model, and correct technical issues reported by users. To facilitate that enhancement, we encourage you to contact NRC, if you are aware of any problems or errors associated with the VARSKIN code. Search for “VARSKIN” and read additional information here.

Varskin 3 Version 3.1.0 was released through RSICC on March 15, 2009.
Package ID: C00522PC58606

Last Modified: 11-June-2009