The University of Iowa

VAMC Dosimeter Guidelines - Radiation Oncology Personnel

The purpose of this guide is to establish a uniform protocol for the placement of radiation dosimeters throughout the Radiation Oncology department at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. The definitions below list each type of dosimeter along with the area it is to be worn and the significance of each reading.

Dosimeter Types

P1 - Whole Body dosimeter - The P1 dosimeter provides a measurement of the deep (DDE) and shallow (SDE) radiation dose equivalent received by the whole body. A black body icon (as shown on the left) identifies the P1 whole body dosimeter. Wear this dosimeter on the torso at waist or chest level.

 U3 - Ring dosimeter – The U3 ring dosimeter provides a measurement of the extremity radiation dose equivalent received by the lower arm and hand. The U3 dosimeter is to be worn under the protective latex glove on a finger of the hand likely to receive the highest radiation exposure. A second ring dosimeter (identified as a "U4") worn on a finger of the opposite hand is recommended for individuals who routinely prepare and/or administer radiopharmaceuticals or brachytherapy.

The following table lists the regulatory and external dose limits against which personnel dosimeter results are compared.

State of Iowa Limits

Type of Exposure Annual Limit
Whole Body Deep Dose Equivalent (DDE) which includes: head, trunk, active blood forming organs & gonads  5000 mrem/year total
Whole Body Shallow Dose Equivalent (SDE) which includes: skin 50000 mrem/year total
Lens of Eye Dose Equivalent (LDE)  15000 mrem/year total
Extremities 50000 mrem/year total
Limit for person completing pregnancy declaration  500 mrem/gestation period

 VAMC ALARA Limits (Quarterly)

Area of Body ALARA Action Level I ALARA Action Level II
Whole Body Deep Dose Equivalent (DDE) 125-374 mrem > 374 mrem
Whole Body Shallow Dose Equivalent (SDE) 1250-3749 mrem > 3749 mrem
Lens of Eye Dose Equivalent (LDE) 375-1124 mrem > 1124 mrem
Extremities 1250-3749 mrem > 3749 mrem

PLEASE NOTE: Wearing your dosimeters in accordance with the guidelines given above is required in order to obtain an accurate assessment of your radiation dose. When not in use, store your dosimeters in an area that will not be exposed to radiation in excess of background levels. Please contact Environmental Health & Safety 335-8501 with any questions or concerns.