Re: To Luxel Users

[William V Lipton <liptonw@dteenergy.com>]

I agree that each facility should determine the  lowest recordable dose.  The basis
for this determination should be documented.

I have a problem, however, with simply telling your dosimetry vendor not to report
valid readings below x mrem, especially if there is no formal justification.  A lot
of radiation injury litigation is based on very low doses, and it is likely that
plaintiff's attorney will make a big deal out of ignoring valid readings.  It seems
that the best approach is to have the vendor report all readings, and have a
procedure which specifies what levels are made part of the individual's dose record
and what levels are investigated.

The opinions expressed are strictly mine.
It's not about dose, it's about trust.

Bill Lipton
liptonw@dteenergy.com




Mike Lantz wrote:

> Several commenters on this issue have noted that you can choose a higher value
> than 1 mrem on the Luxel.  So guys!  Don't pick 10 mrem.  It is pretty
> historically-based.  Specify 4, or 5, or 8 mrem.  Wherever your false positive
> rate is low for your system of storage, transits through the mail, etc.
>
> As a NVLAP Assessor for years, that would always be of interest to me  --  where
> the minimum reportable was set and how it was determined.  Quit picking 10 out of
> history.  Landauer has jumped out there and said 1 mrem is resolvable.  To me, in
> my opinion, the false positive rate may be too high at some facilities.  That's
> all I'm saying about it.
>
> The minimum reportable at my NPP is much lower than 10 mrem per month or per
> quarter.  And it is well documented and routinely evaluated with the capabilities
> we have; e.g., a report of any positive TLD dose with no RCA entries and a report
> of EPD total vs TLD total.  My previous note on this issue simply supported a
> client's best effort at evaluating her false positive rate.
>
> Mike Lantz
>
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