Navigating the Landscape of Dosimetry Badges

The role of dosimeters is a critical one. In a variety of occupations where workers are exposed to radiation, these small devices — often worn as badges — measure the amount of radiation exposure an individual encounters, playing an instrumental part in protecting workers from potential radiation-related health risks. Understanding the different types of dosimetry badges, along with their significance and applications in various settings, is important for effective radiation safety and management. Each type of dosimeter badge is designed for specific scenarios and body areas, catering to the unique demands of different radiation environments.

Whole Body Dosimeter Badges:

Typically required in environments where individuals operate X-ray machines or work with certain radioactive materials, these badges are commonly worn between the neck and waist, at a location closest to the radiation source. The badge technology measures the amount of radiation exposure to the organs within that body region. Fetal badges, worn on the abdomen, are mandatory for Declared Pregnant Workers in labs where X-ray, gamma, or beta emitters are used.¹

Extremity Dosimeter Badges (Finger & Eye):

In some occupations or environments the fingers and hands may receive significantly more radiation exposure compared to the rest of the body. Similarly, in occupations where the eye or head may be at risk of receiving direct radiation exposure, such as interventional surgeries, these badges capture exposure directly to the head and eye. This is particularly useful during certain types of radiological procedures or when handling nuclear medicine pharmaceuticals involving radioactive materials and nuclear power technicians who handle radioactive fuel cells/pellets. A study conducted by the EURADOS Working Group 9 (WG9) underscores the important role of extremity dosimeters. The results of this study provide insights into the use of extremity dosimetry in medical fields and their ability to achieve greater accuracy.² Further corroborating these findings, more recent studies and research on extremity dosimeters have emphasized their significance in dosimetry.^3,4 Additionally, a comprehensive review focusing on extremity dosimetry within nuclear medicine has shed light on the persistent challenges and recent advancements in this area.⁵

Environmental and Area Dosimeter Badges

Environmental Dosimeters (Outdoors): Used to monitor radiation in outdoor environments, these devices operate in areas where there might be a risk of radiation exposure. This includes locations near nuclear facilities or in regions with high levels of natural background radiation. Measuring environmental radiation is not only prudent for public health and safety but also vital for the protection of wildlife and plant life, particularly in sensitive ecosystems.⁶
Area Dosimeters (Indoors): Used to monitor radiation levels in specific indoor areas, especially in facilities where radioactive materials are commonly found or stored, such as hospitals, and research labs. They help ensure that the levels of radiation in these areas remain within safe limits.

Control Badges:

Generally serving as a baseline to compare against active dosimeter badges. Regardless of the badge type — body, fetal, extremity, indoor, or outdoor — a control badge may be essential for establishing background radiation contributions. It remains unexposed to radiation and should be stored in a radiation-free area. By comparing dose readings from control badges with active badges, one can accurately determine the actual radiation dose received by the wearer. However, with advanced technology like the Mirion Instadose^® wireless dosimetry badges, the need for a control badge is eliminated because of sophisticated algorithms and dose analysis.

Selecting the right dosimeter begins with understanding the options available and how they address your needs and monitoring environment. Mirion Dosimetry Services offers expert advice and tailored dosimetry equipment for diverse industry requirements and exposure scenarios. For those seeking cutting-edge solutions, the Mirion Instadose dosimetry badge stands out. This on-demand dosimeter removes the need for periodic recalibration at a lab or a control badge. Learn more about our innovative solutions and discover the difference at www.instadose.com.

References:

Office of Environmental Health and Safety. (n.d.). Radiation Monitoring Badges. Princeton University. https://ehs.princeton.edu/laboratory-research/radiation-safety/radiation-monitoring-badges
Vanhavere, F., Carinou, E., Gualdrini, G., Clairand, I., Sans Merce, M., Figueira, C., ... & Itie, C. (2008). Intercomparison on measurements of the quantity personal dose equivalent, Hp(0.07), by extremity ring dosimeters in medical fields. Radiation Measurements, 43, S434-S438. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1350448708000073
Rostaing, K., Aubert, B., & Gennai, S. (2017). Radiation exposure and the orthopedic surgeon's hand: Measurement of the equivalent dose over 13 months. ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2468122917300294
Clairand, I., Gualdrini, G., & Sans Merce, M. (2017). Test of ring, eye lens and whole body dosemeters for the dose quantity Hp(3) to be used in interventional radiology. ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0969806X17301184
Vanhavere, F., Carinou, E., Domienik, J., Donadille, L., Ginjaume, M., Gualdrini, G., ... & Sans Merce, M. (n.d.). Review of extremity dosimetry in nuclear medicine. UPC. https://upcommons.upc.edu/bitstream/handle/2117/361732/Extremity%20dosimetry%20in%20NM_DRAC.pdf?sequence=1
Nuclear Power. (n.d.). Environmental Dosimetry - Exposures from Environment. https://www.nuclear-power.com/nuclear-engineering/radiation-dosimetry/environmental-dosimetry/