Answers To All FAQ

Dosimetry 101

• What is Dosimetry?
  Dosimetry measures the potential for radiation in occupational settings with the use of dosimeters (films or TLD badges)
• Why is it important?
  For the peace of mind of the employees; protect the employers; required by ORS
• Who is required to have it? 
  Anyone who is exposed to levels of ionizing radiation through their occupation
• What are the dose limits?
  An effective dose of 20 mSv per year averaged over any five-year period and 50 mSv in any one year (Deep), 50 mSv (Eye), 500 mSv (Shallow and Extremity)
• How much radiation do we get from nature?
  We get about 3-4 mSv from the nature annually (cosmic, terrestrial, air travel, etc.)
• How much radiation do we get from medical tests?
  Chest Xray: 0.06 mSv
  Nuclear Medicine (thyroid scan): 0.14 mSv
  CAT Scan: 1.10 mSv
  Barium Enema: 4.05 mSv
• What does ALARA stand for?
  ALARA in an acronym for "As Low As is Reasonably Achievable".  ALARA 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. 
• Do we need dosimetry badges if we are using a digital X-ray machine?Yes. Digital x-ray machines do not require film, but still produce the same risk of exposure as any other x-ray machine.

Badges

• What is TLD?
  A thermoluminescent dosimeter, or TLD, is a type of radiation dosimeter. A TLD measures ionizing radiation exposure by measuring the amount of visible light emitted from a crystal in the detector when the crystal is heated. The amount of light emitted is dependent upon the radiation exposure. 
• What is the DTN?
  DTN stands for “Dosimeter Transaction Number” and is the seven digit, alphanumeric data printed on the front and back labels of each dosimeter.  On the ring label, it is the six digit numeric data printed above the barcode.  DTNs are unique for every dosimeter issued.
• How does the Control Badge work? 
  The control badge is used to monitor non-occupational energies that the personnel badge was exposed to. This includes background and other sources of radiation not a part of the workplace radiation exposure. The control badge should be stored in a location away from the radiation source at your facility. Break rooms or receptionist areas are good examples of areas that are typically appropriate.
• Why does my badge not read below 0.1mSv?
  RDC’s badges do read below 0.1mSv. We do not report dose below 0.1mSv due to the potential of false results at these very low levels of exposure and the 0.1mSve threshold is the level required to be reported by the regulations governing this industry.
• Where should I place an Area Monitor?
  If you are monitoring occupational dose to employees in a room where the source is located, or a room near a source that radiation could potentially reach, an Area Monitor should be placed at the highest exposure level where an employee may be working. Never place an Area Monitor on top of a source, or in a high radiation area that would not reflect occupational exposure. 
  It is the responsibility of the company to prove that the public is not being exposed to more than 1mSv/year from outside a room/building. If you are monitoring potential exposure to the public, the Area Monitor should be placed on the outside of the room at the highest exposure level where employees/people are walking, sitting or may have access.
• How should my Fetal badge be worn?
  A Fetal badge should be worn directly over the Fetal area in order to receive the most accurate reading on my Dose Report.
• If as a declared pregnant worker I have more than one fetus, am I required to wear more than one badge?
  No, only one badge is required for the fetal area.
• Can more than one person share a badge?
  RDC’s badges are meant for use by one individual at a time so that the dose associated with that badge is assigned to that one individual’s records. If multiple individuals use one badge, it is not possible to separate out what dose belongs to each individual therefore making the reading invalid for the intended user of the badge.
• How do I return the badges?
  You always receive a collection bag with address label and postage together with your new batch of badges, please ring the courier company to collect them or drop them off at the post office.

Dose Reports

• When and how do I get my dose report?
  Returned badges are read and reports are mailed and available online within 10 business days of receipt of the badges.If you are using RDC's online account management program, an email will be sent to you when your reports are available for viewing, downloading, and printing.If you are not using our online account management program, your dose reports will be mailed to you.
• I received a dose on my control badge. What does that mean?
  It is normal to receive dose on the control dosimeter. It represents the background and transit dose received on the badge from the time it left our facility and until it was returned. The dose recorded on a control dosimeter is usually low, and relatively constant from report to report. A control dosimeter will usually record a small dose (0.05 - 0.2 mSv per month).
• Are my dosimetry reports reviewed and will I be contacted if my dose level is high?
  Yes, any report containing results that are outside of acceptable limits will be reviewed and the customer will be notified immediately so that appropriate actions can be taken.
• What is DoseCheck and how can I benefit from it?
  With DoseCheck, an individual can log in using their Badge Number and PIN, and see their year-to-date and previous year’s dose. This feature is free of charge to our customers. This view is not an accredited format and does not qualify for audit purposes: it does, however, enable the user to continuously monitor their exposure whenever they want. 
  To log on to DoseCheck, click here.
• How long do I need to keep a Dose Report?
  Reports, paper or electronic, should be kept for as long as your company is in business.

MyRadCare

• What is MyRadCare and how can I benefit from it?
  MyRadCare is RDC’s online account management software program. It is available free of charge to all active RDC customers. It provides RDC customers a safe and convenient tool to manage their dosimetry account at any time, from any computer with access to the Internet. 
• What Can I Do With MyRadCare?
• Take Care Of Your Badge Service
  - Add, delete, or change wearers
  - Schedule orders for new wearers
  - View the last three orders shipped
  - View when badges are issued and returned
  - Track badge issue and return dates
  - Order replacements for lost or damaged badges
• Access Dose Data
  - View and print dose reports
  - Create NRC Form 5 reports quickly and easily
• Manage Your Accounting Activity Online
  - Track your account balance
  - View, pay, and print invoices
• Receive email notifications of:
  - Invoices and reports
  - Badge shipments
  - Unreturned badges
  - Set up additional email recipients for notifications
  - Track Shipments
• How Do I Access MyRadCare?
  You’ll find links to access MyRadCare in the navigation bar.  Or just click here.
• What Does MyRadCare Cost?
  It’s free to RDC’s active customers. Your dosimetry account is about keeping your people safe. We’re happy to help you do that.

Accreditation

NVLAP Accreditation
RDC is accredited to provide dosimetry services with the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) which is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). NVLAP Lab Code 100512-0.

ISO 9001:2015 Certification
Radiation Detection Company is registered to International Standard ISO 9001:2015. The ISO 9001 quality standard is the most widely recognized and established quality management system framework in the world. ISO 9001 establishes a framework for RDC to exceed customer expectations and ensure customer satisfaction.