When it comes to radiation safety, dosimeters are an essential tool. UTHealth uses two badges for most employees: Luxel by Landauer (aluminum oxide dosimeter) and TLD (thermoluminescent dosimeter). The Luxel badge measures whole-body dose from x-radiation, gamma radiation, and beta-radiation. The TLD measures the dose in the extremities (fingers, hands, etc.). It is housed in a plastic ring for carrying in the dominant hand.
In addition to these two badges, radiation workers often use an electronic personal dosimeter (EPD). This device is placed on the torso and displays the immediate dose and dose rate on a small monitor. It uses a metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET or MOS transistor) that triggers an alarm when radiation levels exceed regulatory compliance. A person uses a personal dosimeter for a specific period of time and then sends it to a center for examination.
The pocket ionization chamber is another type of personnel dosimeter. It resembles a common fountain pen and is considered to be the most sensitive type of personnel dosimeter. However, it does not emit alarms and colorimetric cards can be misinterpreted. This type of dosimeter is commonly used in the monitoring of occupational radiation exposure in diagnostic radiology.
Finally, there is the small flash drive-like dosimeter that provides an immediate measurement of radiation exposure. This type of dosimeter is small in size and easy to carry around.
