LANDAUER Frequently Asked Questions

WHO SHOULD WEAR A BADGE, WHAT TIME, AND HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO EXCHANGE?
WHAT IS AN EXCHANGE FREQUENCY?
DO WE NEED TO PROVIDE THE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND BIRTH DATE?
DO WE NEED TO PROVIDE A PURCHASE ORDER NUMBER WHEN ORDERING SERVICE?

Product & Technology Information
WHAT TYPE OF DOSIMETERS DO YOU PROVIDE TO MONITOR PHOTONS AND BETA PARTICLES?
WHAT TYPE OF DOSIMETERS DO YOU PROVIDE TO MONITOR NEUTRONS?
WHAT IS INSIDE LUXEL+, AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
WHAT TYPE OF INFORMATION DOES LUXEL+ IMAGING PROVIDE?
WHAT IS A STATIC OR DYNAMIC EXPOSURE?
WHAT IS OSL?
WHAT DOES THE RING USE TO MEASURE RADIATION EXPOSURE?
WHAT IS NVLAP?

Program Management
WILL YOU CALL US RIGHT AWAY IF AN EMPLOYEE HAS A HIGH DOSE?
ARE THERE SPECIFIC BADGING REQUIREMENTS FOR PREGNANT RADIATION WORKERS?
DO YOU PROVIDE SPECIFIC BADGING FOR PREGNANT RADIATION WORKERS?

Reports and Reporting
WHAT ADMINISTRATIVE AIDS DO YOU HAVE THAT CAN HELP ME WITH MY ALARA PROGRAM?
CAN I HAVE A COPY OF MY EXPOSURE REPORT SENT TO A DIFFERENT ADDRESS?
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECEIVE AN EXPOSURE REPORT?
COULD YOU PROVIDE ME WITH MY EXPOSURE HISTORY?
HOW CAN I HAVE AN EMPLOYEE’S PRIOR EXPOSURE HISTORY ADDED?
CAN THE SOCIAL SECURITY OR ID NUMBER AND BIRTH DATE BE REMOVED FROM REPORTS?
WHAT DOES “ASSIGNED DOSE BASED ON EDE 1 CALCULATION” MEAN?
CAN LIFETIME HISTORY FROM A PAST EMPLOYER BE INCLUDED IN MY REPORT?

Other Technical Information
WHAT ARE THE ANNUAL RADIATION EXPOSURE LIMITS?
What is ALARA?
WHAT IS ANSI/HPS N13.11?

WHO SHOULD WEAR A BADGE, WHAT TIME, AND HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO EXCHANGE?

The best source of information about who should be wearing radiation badges/dosimeters, what type, and how often you should exchange your dosimeters is your state radiation safety office as requirements vary from state to state. Your Radiation Safety Officer can also advise you of your organization’s needs.

To find specific state information about radiation regulation status, legislation, contact information, State Agreement, and program reviews, go to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission website, found here. In addition, most state radiation control agencies have web sites and are listed here.

WHAT IS AN EXCHANGE FREQUENCY?

An exchange frequency is how often dosimeters are shipped. Exchange frequencies from one week up to one year are available dependent on type of dosimetry service:

Weekly
Bi-weekly
Semi-monthly
Monthly
Bi-monthly, alternate months
Quarterly
Semi-annual
Annual
One time only

DO WE NEED TO PROVIDE THE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND BIRTH DATE?

Check with your state radiation safety office as they may require this information on your reports. For privacy and/or posting needs, you can request that LANDAUER suppress on the second and remaining copies of a report the ID number and date of birth; or the name and date of birth; or the name.

DO WE NEED TO PROVIDE A PURCHASE ORDER NUMBER WHEN ORDERING SERVICE?

Dosimetry service and dosimeters: The only time a purchase order is required is if your company requires a purchase order to facilitate payment. In that case, the purchase order must then be provided when placing your order.

Capital purchases: A purchase order is required for all capital products with limited exceptions.

Product & Technology Information

WHAT TYPE OF DOSIMETERS DO YOU PROVIDE TO MONITOR PHOTONS AND BETA PARTICLES?

For monitoring photons (X or gamma ray) and beta particles, LANDAUER offers a full range of dosimetry services for both routine and special monitoring applications. Our OSL (optically stimulated luminescence) dosimeters are Luxel+ and InLight for whole body and area monitoring. In addition, we offer two TLD (thermoluminescent dosimetry) rings dosimeter for extremity monitoring.

LANDAUER is fully accredited by NVLAP for ionizing radiation dosimetry for specific services (NVLAP Lab Code 100518-0) and accredited by other governing bodies throughout the world.

Please view our Dosimeters & Radiation Measurement Services page for specific details about each of our products.

WHAT TYPE OF DOSIMETERS DO YOU PROVIDE TO MONITOR NEUTRONS?

LANDAUER provides neutron monitoring with Neutrak^®

In addition, Luxel+ is an integrated, self-contained packet that comes preloaded, incorporating a thin strip of specially formulated aluminum oxide crystalline material sandwiched within a four-element filter pack that is heat sealed within a laminated, light-tight paper wrapper. All of these components are RF (radiofrequency) sealed inside a tamper-proof plastic blister pack to eliminate possible mishandling, light leakage or lost detection elements. An optional CR-39 component for neutron monitoring can also be incorporated within the dosimeter's clear plastic pack.

For further information, click here for the dosimeter specifications.

WHAT IS INSIDE LUXEL+, AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

Inside Luxel+ is an integrated, self-contained packet that comes preloaded, incorporating a thin strip of specially formulated aluminum oxide crystalline material sandwiched within a four-element filter pack that is heat sealed within a laminated, light-tight paper wrapper. All of these components are RF (radiofrequency) sealed inside a tamper-proof plastic blister pack to eliminate possible mishandling, light leakage or lost detection elements. An optional CR-39 component for neutron monitoring can also be incorporated within the dosimeter's clear plastic pack.

The Luxel+ dosimeter measures radiation exposure due to x, gamma and beta radiation with optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) technology. The OSL radiation detector inside the Luxel+ dosimeter is the thin strip of specially formulated aluminum oxide (Al2O3) crystalline material. During analysis in our laboratory, the Al2O3 strip is stimulated with selected frequencies of laser light causing it to luminesce in proportion to the amount of radiation dose and the intensity of stimulation light.

The luminescence measured during analysis is applied to a dose algorithm that relies on the response ratios between different filter positions within the dosimeter to discriminate between beta and photon (x and gamma) radiation fields to determine exposure results. Dose equivalents arising from exposures to photons (x or gamma rays) will have a deep, lens of eye and shallow value reported. Depending on the energy of the x or gamma rays, these values may or may not be equal. Beta exposures are reported only as a shallow dose equivalent.

The detector can be restimulated numerous times to confirm the accuracy of a radiation dose measurement. A full reanalysis is automatically performed for every measurement yielding a dose in excess of 500 mrem (5 mSv).

The imaging area renders unique filter patterns that provide qualitative information about conditions during exposure. Imaging to identify static, dynamic, or contamination conditions is automatically performed for low-energy photon measurements yielding a dose in excess of 500 mrem (5 mSv).

WHAT TYPE OF INFORMATION DOES LUXEL+ IMAGING PROVIDE?

The filter pack imaging area renders unique filter patterns that provide qualitative information about conditions during exposure. Imaging to identify static, dynamic, or contamination conditions is automatically performed for all beta and low-energy photon measurements yielding a dose in excess of 500 mrem (5 mSv).

A static exposure image indicates the dosimeter was still with no movement at the time of exposure. This is verified by the distinct grid patterns in the filter pack imaging area. A static exposure implies that the dosimeter was not worn at the time of exposure, and an accidental exposure may have occurred.

A dynamic exposure image indicates the dosimeter was moving at the time of exposure. This is verified by the blurred grid patterns in the filter pack imaging area. A dynamic exposure implies that the dosimeter was worn at the time of exposure, and the reported dose is valid.

WHAT IS A STATIC OR DYNAMIC EXPOSURE?

Full reanalysis, including imaging to identify static, dynamic, or contamination conditions, is automatically performed for all beta and low-energy photon measurements yielding a dose in excess of 500 mrem (5 mSv). Reanalysis and/or imaging results for an exposure appear in notes at the bottom of the dosimetry report. It is the filter pack imaging area that renders unique filter patterns that provide qualitative information about conditions during exposure.

WHAT IS OSL?

OSL is an acronym for optically stimulated luminescence. OSL technology is used in LANDAUER’s Luxel+ and InLight dosimeters

WHAT DOES THE RING USE TO MEASURE RADIATION EXPOSURE?

The LANDAUER Saturn®ring dosimeters rely on thermoluminescent (TLD) technology.

The TLD chip is safely encapsulated inside the identification cover. The cover and TLD are independent of the ring base.

WHAT IS NVLAP?

NVLAP, an acronym for the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program, accredits testing laboratories based upon their ability to meet established standards in specific fields of testing. Testing is achieved by on-site assessments and laboratory participation in proficiency testing, technical evaluation, and administrative review. Accreditation must be renewed each year. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), an agency of the U.S. Department Commerce's Technology Administration, manages NVLAP. NVLAP's Ionizing Radiation Dosimetry field of testing was established in 1984 to implement the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) requirement that all dosimeters (badges) used by licensees to comply with federal law must be processed and evaluated by a NVLAP accredited laboratory. The NRC's requirements can be found in the Standards for Protection Against Radiation, published in the Code of Federal Regulations. LANDAUER's facility is fully accredited by NVLAP (NVLAP Lab Code: 100518-0) for ionizing radiation dosimetry for specific services. A copy of our current certificate and scope of accreditation is available here.

Program Management

WILL YOU CALL US RIGHT AWAY IF AN EMPLOYEE HAS A HIGH DOSE?

LANDAUER provides free notification by phone or fax when an individual's dose exceeds 20% of regulatory limits (e.g. deep, lens of eye, shallow, etc.) for any given wear period, or 50% of the regulatory limit year-to-date.

ARE THERE SPECIFIC BADGING REQUIREMENTS FOR PREGNANT RADIATION WORKERS?

In most cases yes.

If your workplace is regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, regulations require that institutions holding radioactive materials licenses instruct individuals working with radioactive materials in radiation protection as appropriate. There are specific considerations for women who are pregnant. Check the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's web site.

In some states, other regulatory agencies and licensees may adhere to other rules and regulations. Your radiation safety officer is the best source of information about who should be wearing radiation badges, what type, and how often you should exchange your badges and your state radiation safety office.

DO YOU PROVIDE SPECIFIC BADGING FOR PREGNANT RADIATION WORKERS?

LANDAUER can provide a Luxel+ badge coded for the “fetal” body location to be worn in addition to her whole- body badge. The mother's exposure appears as usual on the standard dosimetry report plus appears again with the fetal exposure results on an additional page of the dosimetry report (the last page for an account, or if the account has subaccounts, the last page for each subaccount).

The estimated deep dose from conception to declaration appears if supplied to LANDAUER along with the total declaration to current deep dose.

In addition, LANDAUER has a Fetal Monitor Report that helps to easily track the exposure of all your declared workers. Every month a summary report displays estimated dose from conception to declaration, rolling exposure history by month for both mother and child, and accumulated fetal totals for the gestation period.

The Fetal Monitor Report involves a charge in addition to your basic service.

Reports and Reporting

WHAT ADMINISTRATIVE AIDS DO YOU HAVE THAT CAN HELP ME WITH MY ALARA PROGRAM?

For effective tracking, LANDAUER's standard exposure report accumulates dose year to date so you can routinely review exposure levels against ALARA levels. LANDAUER's early notification of high exposure levels warns you within 24 hours of dosimeter processing of individuals exceeding preset ALARA levels set by you or LANDAUER uses the guidelines established by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Standard reports and early notification features are included within your basic LANDAUER dosimetry service. ALARA Memos, ALARA Recap.

LANDAUER also has an ALARA memo service and ALARA reports that can help you with your ALARA compliance. ALARA memos save time by automatically generating a letter to an employee whose exposure level has exceeded a quarterly and/or annual preset value. Sent to you for initial review, the personalized letter advises the employee about the level, exposure type, and amount of exposure, and if it exceeds Level II, provides a questionnaire for the employee to return to you.

LANDAUER's ALARA reports are generated quarterly and annually. These detailed reports provide monthly breakouts of exposure by individual and show whole body and extremity exposures. Quarterly reports flag Level I and II excursions for the quarter and year to date, while annual reports quickly show trends by individuals and departments for the year. Reports track both individual and collective dose.

The ALARA memo and ALARA report services are available on myLDR or by contacting Customer Service and involve a charge in addition to your basic service.

CAN I HAVE A COPY OF MY EXPOSURE REPORT SENT TO A DIFFERENT ADDRESS?

Yes. Duplicate copies of dosimetry reports can be mailed on a regular basis to the same address or to another address you designate. A charge does apply.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECEIVE AN EXPOSURE REPORT?

At the end of each wear period, dosimeters returned to our laboratory for processing are analyzed, and a dosimetry report is available in your myLDR account within five working days from the receipt of the dosimeters. Emergency processing with an expedited report is available for dosimeters suspected of receiving overexposure.

COULD YOU PROVIDE ME WITH MY EXPOSURE HISTORY?

No, we cannot supply an individual with his or her history. All information is confidential to the owner of the account. You will need to contact your former employer or school and request your occupational exposure history.

HOW CAN I HAVE AN EMPLOYEE’S PRIOR EXPOSURE HISTORY ADDED?

Submit your written request with an authorized signature to Customer Service Technical/Records by mail LANDAUER, ATTN: Customer Service Technical, 2 Science Road Glenwood, IL 60425 or email [email protected] to add prior exposure history

CAN THE SOCIAL SECURITY OR ID NUMBER AND BIRTH DATE BE REMOVED FROM REPORTS?

Yes. For privacy and/or posting needs, you can request that LANDAUER suppress on the second and remaining copies of a report the ID number and date of birth; or the name and date of birth; or the name.

WHAT DOES “ASSIGNED DOSE BASED ON EDE 1 CALCULATION” MEAN?

EDE 1 is a special dose calculation than can be applied to a participant who wears a collar and a waist dosimeter with a lead apron. Special calculations permit departure from LANDAUER’s standard dose calculation protocol to provide a more accurate estimation of radiation dose under special circumstances as determined by your Radiation Safety Officer. Special calculations can be applied to an individual, a series, or to an entire account. Special dose calculations available for radiation workers who wear lead aprons are:

EDE 1: (Two dosimeters). One dosimeter is worn at the waist level under a lead apron and one dosimeter is worn at the collar level outside the lead apron. 1.5 (Waist DDE) + 0.04 (Collar DDE) = Assigned Deep Dose Equivalent

EDE 2: (One dosimeter). One dosimeter is worn outside the lead apron. 0.30 (Collar DDE) = Assigned Deep Dose Equivalent

The “Assigned” line with the EDE 1 and EDE 2 calculation results follows all of the original whole body dosimeter doses.

It is the responsibility of your organization’s radiation safety officials to determine the applicability of using a special calculation for estimation of dose to an employee.

CAN LIFETIME HISTORY FROM A PAST EMPLOYER BE INCLUDED IN MY REPORT?

LANDAUER will accept separate lifetime histories from past employers or other dosimetry services and incorporate the totals into LANDAUER’s lifetime accumulated total dose. History totals from separate employers are maintained and are available on our Equivalent Form 4 annual service that separates exposure history by employer. Have your employer email Customer Service Technical at [email protected] to get your lifetime history added.

Other Technical Information

WHAT ARE THE ANNUAL RADIATION EXPOSURE LIMITS?

Annual Radiation Exposure Limits:

Whole body, blood forming organs, gonads: 5,000mrem/year
Lens of eye: 15,000 mrem/year
Extremities and skin: 50,000 mrem/year
Fetal: 500 mrem/gestation period
General Public: 100 mrem/year

Based on USNRC Regulations, Title 10, Part 20, Code of Federal Regulations and adopted by many states. Certain states and other regulatory agencies may adhere to different limits.

What is ALARA?

ALARA is an acronym for "as low as is reasonably achievable." Used and defined by the NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission) and many other licensing agencies, an ALARA program’s objective is to reduce occupational exposures and doses to members of the public as far below the specified limits as is reasonably achievable by means of good radiation safety planning and practice.

The rules and regulations of the NRC require each licensee to “develop, document, and implement a radiation protection program…” And, each licensee “shall use, to the extent practical, procedures and engineering controls based upon sound radiation protection principles to achieve occupational doses and doses to members of the public that are as low as is reasonably achievable (ALARA).” (Code of Federal Regulations, Title 10, Chapter 20.1101, “Radiation Protection Programs.”)

In Title 10, Chapter 20.1003, “Definitions,” the NRC’s definition is:

“ALARA (acronym for "as low as is reasonably achievable") means making every reasonable effort to maintain exposures to radiation as far below the dose limits in this part as is practical consistent with the purpose for which the licensed activity is undertaken, taking into account the state of technology, the economics of improvements in relation to state of technology, the economics of improvements in relation to benefits to the public health and safety, and other societal and socioeconomic considerations, and in relation to utilization of nuclear energy and licensed materials in the public interest.“

WHAT IS ANSI/HPS N13.11?

ANSI/HPS N13.11 is the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program’s (NVLAP) proficiency testing standard for personnel dosimetry performance. The first version of the standard was written in 1983 through a joint-agency agreement between the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The 1983 version established the accreditation criteria and processes to facilitate the NRC’s requirement that all dosimeters used by licensees must be processed and evaluated by an accredited laboratory (later codified in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations as 10 CFR 20.1501). The standard served as the foundation for NVLAP’s Ionizing Radiation Dosimetry proficiency-testing program and was later modified by the Department of Energy for DOELAP.

ANSI/HPS N13.11 recently underwent some significant changes. The 2001 and 2009 revised standards are a result of the continuing effort by the Health Physics Society (HPS) and the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) to construct a standard that is acceptable to both the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) and the Department of Energy Laboratory Accreditation Program (DOELAP).

A copy of ANSI/HPS N13.11-2009 is available for a fee from the Health Physics Society at hps.org.

Further information about NIST’s NVLAP program can be found at their website nist.gov.