Your answer:
Dosimetry for staff
Correct answer.
Even though the amount of contamination on patients is usually
quite small, it is a good idea to document the exposure to the
staff. In most cases this will be too small of an amount to
detect. This information is also useful should legal action be
pursued at a later date.
Dosimetry is usually issued in the form of a self reading dosimeter (SRD) and a film badge (TLD or thermoluminescent dosimeter.) The TLD is kept on an inner pocket or shirt collar. The SRD is placed on the outer gown. Periodically while caring for the patient, the staff member can read the SRD to estimate the exposure they received. Care should be taken in handling the SRDs as they are sensitive to small amounts of jostling. The results of an SRD that a few moments before read zero, and now reads significant exposure should be suspect. The TLD badges are issued to all workers in the buffer zone and REA. Even members of the radiology department should be issued TLDs to document the amount of exposure that they received from caring for the patient. The TLDs are not sensitive to shock and are more accurate.