electronic dosimeters

["Sandy Perle" <sandyfl@earthlink.net>]

In my response to Robert Denne's rely regarding electronic dosimeter 
and TLD comparisons, I made the following statement:

"Especially when the facility uses the TLD results to set the 
electronic dosimeter calibration factors! I have seen this all too 
often when performing NVLAP On-Site Assessments. If they don't agree 
within 2-5%, I'd be very disappointed, when using this technique."

I did not intend for anyone to come away thinking that I am implying 
that the only way a facility can obtain excellent compatibility 
between results is to do the above. My statement only means that many 
facilities do exactly this, which in the end, gives the facility a 
false sense of security. The results may compare favorable, and bot 
be way off when it comes to accuracy. I am a firm believer that an 
electronic dosimeter can respond excellently when comparing between 2 
different dosimeter types, as long as the unit is properly calibrated 
to the spectra of interest, and, is worn appropriately in those 
areas. The electronic dosimeter is an excellent dosimeter for "dose 
control". As far as using the electronic dosimeter for "dose of 
record", well, I don't believe the industry is ready for that at this 
time, and the reasons for this have been well stated in the past. 
When an individual can walk into any radiation environment and 
regardless of the types of radiation and mixtures present, and have a 
final dose determination within +/- 5% as can be found with a TLD or 
film badge (for most spectra), then the electronic dosimeter is 
viable as a "dose of record".

Sandy Perle
E-Mail: sandyfl@earthlink.net 
Personal Website: http://www.geocities.com/capecanaveral/1205

"The object of opening the mind, as of opening 
the mouth, is to close it again on something solid"
              - G. K. Chesterton -
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