Convert millirad [mrd] to decigray [dGy] Online | Free radiation-absorbed-dose Converter

Millirad [mrd]: A Subunit of Radiation Absorbed Dose

The millirad (mrd) is a unit of absorbed radiation dose equal to one-thousandth of a rad. The rad (radiation absorbed dose) is an older, non-SI unit that was commonly used before the gray (Gy) became the standard.

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  1 rad = 0.01 gray (Gy)

  
  
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  Therefore, 1 millirad = 0.001 rad = 0.00001 Gy (10⁻⁵ Gy)

  
  

The millirad was used to measure the amount of energy absorbed from ionizing radiation per unit mass, primarily in radiation protection and medical contexts.

Though the rad and its subunits like the millirad have largely been replaced by the gray and its subunits (milligray, microgray, etc.), they may still be encountered in older literature or certain regions.

In summary, the millirad is a very small dose unit equal to one-thousandth of a rad, useful historically for quantifying low-level radiation exposures before the universal adoption of the gray.

Decigray [dGy]: A Less Common Intermediate Radiation Unit

The decigray (dGy) is a unit of absorbed radiation dose equal to 0.1 gray (Gy), or 100 milligrays (mGy). While it is part of the SI-derived units, the decigray is not commonly used in practice, as other units like centigray (cGy) and gray (Gy) are more prevalent, especially in medical and scientific fields.

In principle, the decigray could be used in contexts where doses fall between 0.1 Gy and 1 Gy, such as in certain diagnostic procedures, radiation accidents, or research settings. However, in radiation therapy, doses are typically measured in centigrays (cGy) for convenience and precision, while in radiation protection, milligray (mGy) or gray (Gy) are standard.

Although technically correct and valid under the metric system, the dGy sees limited real-world application. Its rarity is mostly due to the widespread clinical adoption of other units that align better with common dosing practices and allow for clearer communication among healthcare professionals and researchers.

In summary, the decigray represents a moderate radiation dose, but is rarely used due to the preference for more established units in both low- and high-dose radiation scenarios.