Purpose of dosimetry
Personal dosimetry provides information about an individual’s exposure to monitor its development and guide radiation protection. It does not prevent exposure by itself: a dosimeter is not shielding. It forms part of ionising radiation management alongside assessment, technical controls, procedures and appropriate surveillance.
External and internal exposure
Dose may arise from external sources or radioactive material taken into the body. These situations need different assessment methods. A dosimeter worn on clothing cannot by itself resolve every possible internal intake. The programme must match the radiation type, tasks and exposure pathways anticipated at the installation.
Assignment and correct use
The device must be correctly assigned and used in the position and for the interval defined by the programme. Swapping dosimeters, forgetting them or leaving them near a source distorts the record. Training explains use, storage and incident reporting, without improvising placement when protective equipment or body-region-specific dosimeters are involved.
Results require interpretation
A reading must be related to the period, tasks and possible anomalies. A missing dosimeter or unexpected result requires investigation and the appropriate technical estimation or review procedure. Do not substitute zero simply to complete the record. In Spain, statutory personal dosimetry is provided by services authorised by the Nuclear Safety Council (CSN).
An incident example
In a hypothetical case, two people discover that they exchanged devices at the start of a shift. They must report this promptly and retain information about tasks and timings. Resolution belongs to the radiation protection programme and competent service. Merely correcting a filename without examining exposure can create an inaccurate history.
History and confidentiality
Individual results require traceability and controlled access. Retention and communication follow applicable regulations and are distinct from a general productivity table. Follow-up helps detect changes, review controls and support appropriate health surveillance. This article describes the concept; specific requirements depend on the risk and regulatory framework.
