WHAT IS DOSIMETRY?

by Radiation Detection

What is dosimetry? Dosimetry is the process of measuring radiation. Multiple instruments are available that detect and measure the presence of radiation found in a laboratory, handheld, or worn, like a dosimeter badge or ring from RadiationSafety.com.  

When ionizing radiation loosens electrons, phosphor crystals in a dosimeter or dosimetry badge capture and store them. When those crystals are exposed to heat, they emit light as the electrons are released from the crystals, which illuminates a light on a dosimeter badge, band, or ring. That light is later measured and processed to provide an accurate amount of radiation to which the dosimeter was exposed. When the dosimeter badge, band, or ring is worn over a period of time, anywhere from one to three months, the crystals can then be used to determine how much exposure the wearer has had over that time period. This process is known as dosimetry.

A TLD dosimeter, or thermoluminescent dosimeter, is a passive radiation dosimeter and works by measuring ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation is caused by X-rays, gamma rays, beta particles, alpha particles, and other radioactive isotopes that carry enough energy to free electrons from their orbit around normally stable molecules. While this can cause damage to cells in living tissue, it also can be captured and measured in a well-designed environment, like in a dosimetry badge. In addition, ionizing radiation causes damage over time, so it is essential to monitor, limit and control how much a person is exposed to. 

Invented by Professor Farringon Daniels of the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1954, the TLD dosimeter requires heat to function. They are most useful for situations where information about radiation amounts needs to be precise but is not required immediately. TLD dosimeters can measure accumulated dosages to monitor potential health impact. 

Active Vs. Passive Dosimetry

As previously mentioned, TLD dosimeters are passive dosimeters, meaning they can operate without any external energy source and do not immediately provide radiation dosage readouts. Active dosimeters, on the other hand, require power and energy to operate and can be read in real-time. Some of our competitors offer an active dosimeter that a high failure rate. When purchasing, get in writing what is their published failure rate for their dosimeter. 

Pros and Cons of TLD Dosimeters

Pros

• TLD dosimeters measure a large range of doses over a period of time
• TLD dosimeters may have a lower cost than other dosmeters.

Cons

• TLD dosimeters require heat to function.
• Only one dose can be read at a time.
• Once the dose is read, it resets the dosimeter.
• One of the largest manufacturers of TLD badges and readers quit servicing their machines.

RadationSafety.com provides radiation badges and rings that are affordable and discreet. They utilize optically stimulated luminescence OSL technology, which is a more advanced technology than TLD dosimeters. OSL dosimeter badges are the industry standard used by the government, hospitals, labs, and companies around the world. An OSL dosimeter works similarly to a TLD dosimeter, but an OSL dosimeter only requires optical stimulation, whereas a TLD dosimeter requires heat in order to function. These small and discrete radiation badges can be worn on your lapel and are designed to detect X-rays, gamma radiation, beta particles, and neutron radiation.

Source: ​​https://www.radiation-dosimetry.org/what-is-thermoluminescent-dosimeter-tld-definition/ 

What is OSL Dosimetry?

by Radiation Detection

OSL, Advanced Technology for Radiation Measurement

RadiationSafety.com utilizes OSL dosimetry in its radiation detection badges. OSL is optically stimulated luminescence; dosimetry is used to measure ionizing radiation dosages. It allows for measuring exposure to radioactive isotopes over a specific time. Many agree that OSL dosimetry is a better alternative to thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) technology.

OSL dosimeter badges are the industry standard used by the government, hospitals, labs, and companies worldwide. An OSL dosimeter is a passive form of radiation detection and requires optical stimulation to function. These small and discrete personal radiation badges detect X-rays, gamma radiation, and beta particles. 

OSL dosimeters are composed of materials that trap electrons from radioactive isotopes in their defective crystalline structure. Some utilize aluminum oxide (AI203) to absorb and release radioactive energy to precisely measure the radiation dose received. The OSL dosimeters store the electrons until it is released through stimulation. While heat is used to stimulate TLD dosimeters, light stimulates the elements within the OSL dosimeters. The OSL dosimeter then releases the energy stored in the dosimeter as the emitted light is measured. Since they utilize passive technology. The laboratory can read the OSL badge multiple times without a significant fade. OSL dosimeters provide a very high degree of sensitivity and can give an accurate reading as low as 1 mrem for gamma-ray particles and x-ray particles. In addition, OSL dosimeters measure the amount of scatter ionizing radiation for workers. OSL radiation detection badges can also be positioned as an area monitor in the room. Having an area monitor measures the radiation in the environment over a specified period of time.

Basics of OSL Technology

An OSL dosimeter should be worn on the outside of your clothing, between your neck and abdomen, where the most radiation is likely to be absorbed. Often, the detection badges are attached to lapels or collars of lab coats. Scientists, technicians, researchers, and medical professionals are encouraged to wear them whenever they come in contact with or close to a radiation source, especially over prolonged periods of time. It is especially prudent for pregnant women working in these environments to use and wear radiation detection badges like those from RadiationSafety.com, especially because OSL dosimeters are more sensitive than the comparable TLD dosimeters. 

Our OSL radiation detection x-ray badges are shockproof, water resistant, and unaffected by heat. The radiation monitors are durable and simple to use. With OSL technology, badges are re-readable. TLD dosimeters do not have the capability of being read multiple times. A second reading of the radiation dose from an OSL dosimeter may only decrease by as small as one percent difference compared to its first reading. All radiation doses are stored so that if needed, it can be reread years later.

Sources: https://www.radiation-dosimetry.org/what-is-osl-dosimetry-optically-stimulated-luminescence-dosimeter-definition/ 

https://dosimetry.web.cern.ch/faqs/what-difference-between-active-and-passive-dosimeter#:~:text=Dosimeters%20such%20as%20TLD%20or,operate%20without%20any%20active%20means.&text=The%20active%20dosimeter%20is%20also,operational%2C%20alarm%20or%20DMC%20dosimeter. 

Where To Buy A Radiation Dosimeter?

by Radiation Detection

Where can x-ray techs buy radiation dosimeters?

Where can x-ray techs buy radiation dosimeter service?Finding the right place to buy radiation dosimeters can be challenging. As an x-ray tech or office manager, you balance the care of your patients and your staff. Therefore, you must consider three things when purchasing your radiation detection service.

Quality Technology

Not all  radiation dosimeter badges are equal- many companies will confuse you and tell you that they have “the Cadillac of dosimeters” or the ability to have an “instant measurement.” The truth is TLD technology is an older technology that some manufacturers are even abandoning. Getting the elements inside the badges is becoming more difficult because they are no longer being made. Others like instant reading on their badge when those dosimeter types can also be challenging. If using this technology, ask your manufacturer for the published failure rate and how often the dosimeters are returned for breaking. Our OSL dosimeters use state-of-the-art technology. They are so durable that they are considered shockproof and water resistant. The accuracy of the OSL radiation dosimeter helps the user stay within the guidelines published by OSHA.

Pricing for Dosimeter Service

Higher prices mean a better quality dosimeter badge service. NOT TRUE! As mentioned above, RadiationSafety.com has the best quality badges and our contracted NVLAP # 200666-0 certified lab. All certified labs must meet the high standards established while undergoing inspections. Many of the companies we are in competition with have purchased competitors and have created a gap in the market. Through the consolidation, they are trying to generate higher profits while not increasing the quality of their service or products. Search for our competitors’ prices just three years ago and how they have raised. Several dosimeter providers charge four times the amount of money for the lesser technology we offer.

Customer Service

Higher prices mean better service. AGAIN, NOT TRUE! At RadiationSafety.com, we will answer the phone or call you back on the same business day. As a healthcare worker, you can’t wait days or even weeks to go by to get questions answered. Our radiation dosimeter service is world-class, and we want to prove it to you. So, where can x-ray techs buy radiation dosimeter service? Find out what others already know; RadiationSafety.com delivers on its promises. So call us today at 833-456-SAFE (7233)

Tired of Dosimeter Badge Prices Going Up?

by Radiation Detection

Radiation Safety can help you establish a radiation dosimeter program and become compliant with radiation safety requirements. Our service makes it simple to start or transfer from an existing lab. We ARE the most cost-effective solution and guarantee our prices for three years from the start date of your initial order. Our OSL dosimeter badges are the industry standard and are the highest quality available. We offer multiple solutions to your needs. We can serve a practice of one to a hospital chain of 1000. We serve all types of industries and will help you be successful.

Our radiation detection badges are shockproof and water resilient. Small and wearable as soon as they arrive. To further simplify the process, we offer our state-of-the-art “mydosereport” to read reports, make changes to your account and monitor the next set of badges. Unlike many competitors, we do not charge hidden or excessive fees. Our team is ready to help you! Call or email if we answer the phone or respond on the same business day. We will prove that our service is world-class and our team cares. So whatever your need is regarding radiation detection, let us help you with the best service and the lowest prices. We guarantee! 833-456-7233

Dosimeter Badge Pricing

by Radiation Detection

Dosimeter Badge Pricing. You’re Going to Feel the Increase.

Dosimeter badge pricing goes up along with other medical device expenses. As a healthcare provider, you are going to feel it! Many factors are involved with the increase in the price of medical devices. Severe bottlenecks in the global supply chain significantly impact the medical device industry, particularly in terms of sky-high prices for shipping, raw materials, and a severe shortage of shipping containers in Asia. Despite the global bottlenecks, RadiationSafety.com will continue to offer radiation detection badges at an affordable price.

The overall health insurance index is calculated by aggregating nine index products according to their corresponding weights. During this time, supply remains in the prescription drug sample, and any price change is reflected in the prescription drug index. Let’s say, for example, Medicare is responsible for one-third of the reimbursement weight in the health insurance index, and half of Medicare spending goes to pay for medical services. For non-priced months, the last collected price for each offer is carried over for use in the current month’s index. For Part D, prices are based on total gross expenses, including Medicare, Plan, and Beneficiary expenses. Still, they do not reflect manufacturer discounts and discounts on plans as they are considered copyrighted and, therefore, not publicly available.

Radiationsafety.com has committed NOT to increase prices for three years from your service start date.

Although insurance premiums are essential to consumers’ medical spending, the CPI does not directly assess health insurance. Medical device prices have risen by an average annual rate of 0.4 percent, compared to the 2.4 percent increase in the consumer price index (CPI) and the rise in the Medical Care Consumer Price Index (MC-CPI) of 4.1 percent. These are all factors leading to the increase in costs for dosimeters and other medical devices. However, in 2021 many dosimeter companies saw their highest level of sales and profits due to smaller companies being sold. Consolidation in the dosimeter badge market has also played a major factor in increasing prices.

Dosimeter Labs Are Seeing the Largest Increase in Profits!

All medical devices, including dosimeter badges, have been impacted by increasing prices. Dosimeter badge prices are going up and companies are increasing prices. Large dosimeter companies are making more money than ever before. Across the board, radiation detection providers such as Landauer, Radiation Detection Company, Mirion, dosimeterbadges.com, and others have significantly raised their pricing. When we spoke with one of our competitors and asked, “why are you increasing the prices so much” the answer was, “the market will bear it.” That may be the case, but we know that many medical practices are doing everything they can to keep pricing down while maintaining their services. Our prices are guaranteed for three years once you start service with us. We have no deceptive pricing (like giving the price of one quarter when in reality, you probably need the badge for an entire year). There are no hidden fees nor gauging of our partners trying to protect their staff.

RadiationSafety.com provides dosimeter badges and dosimeter rings at the lowest price. Guaranteeing your price for three years.

Sources:

Prices are rising–healthcare isn’t far behind | McKinsey

https://morningconsult.com/opinions/how-inflationary-pressures-are-impacting-the-medical-device-industry/