The radiation dosimetry report can seem complex. Although some of the terms may be unfamiliar, your record is really quite simple.
Data types are arranged in columns on the report; the first 2 columns on the left contain the necessary information to identify your personal records ("PARTICIPANT NUMBER" and "NAME"), stored in rows. The table below shows how the reports are organized.
Each user's records are distinguished from previous and successive users by color; a light blue shading alternates with a white background.
Part. No. |
NAME |
dosimeter | USE | rad. quality |
DOSE EQUIVALENT (MREM) FOR PERIOD... |
etc... |
||
| DEEP DDE |
EYE LDE |
SHALLOW SDE |
... |
|||||
| 01190 | Whoever Before U | P |
WHBODY | P |
M | 2 | 2 | ... |
| 02204 | Whoever U Be | P |
WHBODY | P |
2 | 2 | 3 | ... |
| 02207 | Whoever Is Next | P |
WHBODY | P |
M | M | M | ... |
| etc... | ||||||||
There are four major groups of columns (only the 1st group is shown above) headed by:
 | DOSE EQUIVALENT (MREM) FOR PERIODS SHOWN BELOW |
| QUARTERLY ACCUMULATED DOSE EQUIVALENT (MREM) |
| YEAR TO DATE DOSE EQUIVALENT (MREM) |
| LIFETIME DOSE EQUIVALENT (MREM) |
and each of these has three sub-columns:
| DEEP or DDE (Deep Dose Equivalent) |
| EYE or LDE (Lens of the eye Dose Equivalent) |
| SHALLOW or SDE (Shallow Dose Equivalent) |
| If you would like to see a copy of a typical report click here (front page). The back side of a typical report can be seen by clicking here. NOTE: these can take a while to download, if you are using a dial-up connection. |
From left to right, the report shows your dose by:
| the most recent monitoring period, then |
| the sum for that calendar quarter, and then |
| the calendar year (so far), and then |
| adds up all the know records for that individual (under "LIFETIME"). |
Note: Since badges are issued bi-monthly (every other month), quarterly summaries may not be available for DFCI research staff.
Read across the row with your name to these columns to find the reported dose (from external radiation sources).
In each column, there will be either:
| a number (an integer) |
| an "M", which means "minimal", or less than 1 mrem |
| or a "N/A", which means "NOT APPLICABLE" or "NOT AVAILABLE". |
Some context information and explanations are provided on the rear ('flip side', or back) of the report. This is generic information, and does not include any DFCI-specific guidance or limits.
The "USE" column on the report tells you the use or location of the body for wch the dose is reported. "WHBODY" is short for "WHOLE BODY"; this is the badge/dosimeter that everyone at DFCI working with radioactive materials is required to wear.
If you work with more than 1 mCi of P-32, or have otherwise chosen to wear another badge (in addition), you might also see a report row for LFINGER or RFINGER; these are ring badges that use TLD chips to monitor the exposure to your extremities (hands).
If you have declared yourself pregnant to the RSO, you may also find another row under your name reporting results for a "FETAL" badge.
| Each report is reviewed by the RSO for compliance with DFCI's
established ALARA objectives and administrative limits (which you can view in the
Radiation Safety Manual). If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Radiation Safety Office; we would be glad to review your report with you. |
Other questions? You may be able to get answers to your questions in the Frequently Asked Questions page.
To return to the Radiation Safety Homepage, click here.
(ver. 10Oct02: EBA)