How to Correctly Wear a Dosimeter
Wearing a dosimeter correctly – and every time – is a vital part of working with ionizing radiation. Regular exposure to ionizing radiation can be hazardous without proper dose tracking and monitoring. Medical device operators need to be proactive and diligent about wearing their dosimeter correctly.
Based on the type of equipment and shielding being used, there are specific locations on the body where a dosimeter is worn. If you’re not sure where to wear yours, check with your Radiation Safety Officer!
Chest
- Without apron: midway on the torso between shoulders and waist on either side of the chest
- With apron: outside the lead apron at shoulder level on either side of the chest
Collar
- Without apron: on either side of a collar facing the radiation source
- With apron: outside the apron at collar level facing the radiation source
Collar or Chest & Waist
Some radiation environments require two dosimeters. In that situation, one is worn at the collar and one at the waist.
- With apron:
- Collar: outside the apron at collar level facing the radiation source
- Chest: outside the lead apron at shoulder level on either side of the chest
- Waist: on either side of the waist, under the apron
Fetal
If an employee is pregnant, they should wear their regular chest or collar dosimeter as normal PLUS a fetal dosimeter. It is important to note that, even if the chest/collar dosimeter is exchanged quarterly, the fetal dosimeter must be exchanged monthly.
- Without apron
- Fetal: centered at waist level
- With apron:
- Fetal: centered on the waist, under the apron
Finger
The LANDAUER Saturn Ring can be worn for dose monitoring when providing radiation services on the extremities.
- On one hand or both hands
- Label facing the radiation source.
Note: Ring dosimeters are labeled for either right or left-hand use. Be sure to check before wearing!
We’ve shared the ways to wear the most common types of dosimeters, but it’s always best to rely on your Radiation Safety Officer for instructions.