The added value of real-time dosimetry
Dosimetry is the measurement process of the amount of ionizing radiation received. It also refers to wearing a personal badge to measure and monitor ‘received’ radiation. Current technology also makes it possible to apply dosimetry in real time. The personal dosimeter is then in direct contact with a monitor showing the real-time information of that moment. What added value does this bring?
What is real-time dosimetry?
With conventional dosimetry, the personal dosimeter is sent to a laboratory after a certain period to be read and registered. The outcome of this is shared afterwards, so that the person in question can take possible measures based on it. This outcome concerns the amount of radiation exposure in the relevant period.
An additional fact is that you do not know exactly where and when you have been exposed to this amount of radiation. If you do know this, you can respond to it. With real-time personal dosimetry, you can view live how much radiation you are being exposed to at that moment. You then know exactly the place, time and circumstances.
It visualizes the invisible. This allows you to check whether the protective equipment you use is doing its job properly. Conversely, you gain insight into how you can use these resources, your attitude or your exposure time more effectively.
Awareness
Awareness is the core of real-time dosimetry and the beginning of behavioral change or better protection. “We feel better and safer in our work since using real-time dosimetry,” said one of the users.
This is thanks to better use of protective equipment and analysis of the measured dose via the associated software. Based on this analysis, you can, for example, choose to have employees rotate more often during certain procedures or situations.
After all, the ALARA principle always applies: keep the dose to which you are exposed as low as reasonably possible.
