by Radiation Detection
What is OSL Dosimetry and Radiation Detection Badges?
RadiationSafety.com utilizes OSL dosimetry in its radiation detection badges. OSL is optically stimulated luminescence; dosimetry measures 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 governments, hospitals, labs, and companies worldwide. An OSL dosimeter is a passive form of radiation detection that requires optical stimulation to function. It detects X-rays, gamma radiation, and beta particles. Some of our competitors are saying that “there’s really no difference”. Read below, and you decide. For a lower price do you want Radiation Safety’s four-element OSL Badges or do you want older technology which utilizes TLD badges?
Basics of OSL Technology
OSL dosimeters are materials that trap electrons from radioactive isotopes in their defective crystalline structure. Some utilize aluminum oxide (AI203) to absorb and release radioactive energy to measure the radiation dose received precisely. The OSL dosimeters store the electrons until they are 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 radiation detection badge multiple times without significantly fading.
Our OSL radiation detection x-ray badges are shockproof, water resistant, and unaffected by heat. These radiation monitors are durable and simple to use. With OSL technology, badges are re-readable. A second reading of the radiation dose from an OSL dosimeter may only decrease by as small as a one percent difference compared to its first reading. In contrast. TLD dosimeters cannot be read multiple times. OSL dosimeters provide a high degree of sensitivity and can give an accurate reading as low as 1 mrem for gamma-ray and X-ray particles. In addition, OSL badges measure the amount of scatter ionizing radiation. OSL radiation detection badges can also be used as area monitors. An area monitor measures the radiation in the environment over a specified period of time.
Our policy states that if a badge is lost, late, or unreturned, you must inform us promptly and request a replacement. Please note that a fee will be charged to your account for each lost, late, or unreturned badge. We have a 75-day grace period for lost badges or dosimeter rings, the longest in the industry. If a badge is found, a credit will be issued to your account. This credit will help offset the initial charge for the lost badge.
If you are ordering badges, we offer a wide range of frequency options When your badges or rings are returned to the lab, a report is generated. The options include monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, and semi-annual reporting. By offering these choices, you can select the reporting frequency according to your requirements, ensuring timely monitoring of radiation exposure levels.
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.
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 purchase 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 or radiation detection companies 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 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 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 answer questions. Our radiation dosimeter service is world-class; 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)
by Radiation Detection
Dosimeter Badge Pricing. Most Labs Have Increased Their Prices!
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 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 weights. During this time, supply remains in the prescription drug sample, and any price change is reflected in the prescription drug index. 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 increased costs for dosimeters and other medical devices. However, in 2021 many dosimeter companies saw their highest sales and profits due to smaller companies being sold. Consolidation in the dosimeter badge market has also played a significant factor in increasing prices.
Dosimeter Labs See 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 raising 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 many medical practices do everything possible 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 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. We guarantee 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/
by Radiation Detection
We Are Exposed to Natural Occurring Radiation
We are exposed to radiation in every life, in the simple things we do. By understanding where and what radiation is, you can implement tips to protect yourself against some of the hidden dangers.
There are two types of radiation – electromagnetic waves and particle radiation. Electromagnetic radiation is the most common form of radiation we come in contact with daily. Light is a form of electromagnetic radiation, and rays from the sun can prove beneficial as they carry Vitamin D, an essential element for life. Through chlorophyll found in their leaves, plants use light to create food. Microwave oven appliances utilize radiation to heat the food you eat, though the device is built to shield you from radiation exposure. X-rays are a necessary diagnostic tool, and our exposure to them provides doctors and scientists clues to our health. However, too much radiation from repeated exposure to high-energy electromagnetic waves like x-rays, gamma rays, alpha particles, beta particles, and other isotopes can be damaging.
Particle radiation includes proton, neutron, and electron beams that are created when unstable plutonium and uranium atoms split, like in a nuclear reactor or bomb. This type of radiation, while less common, is more damaging as it causes genetic defects, severe burns, cancer, and even death.
There are other easy ways to protect yourself from radiation every day.
- Incorporate chlorophyll-rich foods into your diet. Foods like seaweed, kelp, spirulina, and chlorella contain rich minerals, potent antioxidants, and chelating agents. Minerals like iodine block the receptor’s sites in your thyroid to prevent radioactivity that you are exposed to from harming your thyroid. Antioxidants prevent the growth of cancer cells and inhibit free radical activity, which reaps destruction to your body’s cells. Finally, chelating agents bind to toxins and eliminate them from your body as waste.
- Eat other fruits and vegetables that have high levels of antioxidants. Dark fruits like cherries, blueberries, pomegranates, and green vegetables like broccoli, Brussel sprouts, and avocados, along with yams and sweet potatoes, help your body to destroy free radicals and toxins. Free radicals are byproducts that occur internally, generally from our metabolism, and externally, like air pollution or smoke. Too many free radicals cause cellular damage, and antioxidants in these fruits and vegetables help destroy and eliminate them from your body.
- Eat selenium-rich foods like eggs, tuna, salmon, brown rice, onions, and many other vegetables. When food shopping and preparing meals, choose foods of every color to ensure a balanced intake of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
- Stay hydrated and drink half of your weight in ounces of filtered water daily to flush your system and your cells.
- Wear breathable and protective clothing to limit your exposure to solar radiation whenever you are in the sun. A hat will help prevent sunburn on your head, face, neck, and shoulders. Applying sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or more will provide the most coverage and protection. Reapplying sunscreen is required after a few hours.
- Radiation exposure can cause irreversible damage to your retinas, especially if your irises are light. Wearing polarized sunglasses offers the highest level of protection for your eyes by limiting the amount of radiation that passes through your pupils.
- Take additional supplements of vitamins C, D, and E, which will assist in antioxidant activity, and alpha lipoic acid, which will protect cells from radiation damage.
- Natural herbs like peppermint and chrysanthemum can be taken to help the body detoxify.
- Do not eat or purchase products or foods grown or prepared in areas where radioactivity has occurred. Radiation can linger well after an accident or incident. Understand your food source, and choose organic food when possible.
- Wearable devices, like a dosimeter ring or OSL dosimeter badge from RadiationSafety.com, can be worn for detection. Radion Satefy badges primarily read ionizing radiation from x-ray, gamma rays, and beta particles.
Everyday radiation is not something that should frighten us. However, a healthy reverence to ionizing radioactive effects and implementing these ten tips can help reduce unnecessary harm and damage.
Sources
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27084545/
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/radiation-protection-_b_840246
by Radiation Detection
IAEA Ukraine
According to the IAEA, things seem to have stabilized in Ukraine around the Zaporizhzya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). The four remote internal safeguards are still giving signals indicating the integrity of the reactors. However, the area is currently under Russian control, and it appears that the Russian Army is using it as a shield.
The IAEA is stressing the importance of peace, especially in the area of the Zaporizhzya Nuclear Plant. It also emphasizes the need for inspectors to view each reactor under Russian control. If the reactors lose power for whatever reason, go offline, and or have damage to the nuclear facility could have “an Unacceptable Radiological Consequence.” A disaster of such magnitude could profoundly impact the area and possibly the region.
Call or order radiation detection badges from Radiation Safety, LLC to monitor scatter radiation in your context.