ABSTRACT
This chapter presents techniques for performing radiological surveys using radiation detection instruments and techniques for disrobing the contaminated patient. It provides the details for performing a radiological survey. Since most radiological contamination is likely to be found on the patient's clothing, disrobing the patient should prove effective in reducing the amount of contamination on the patient. Disrobing the patient in the ambulance will reduce the amount of contamination taken into the Radiation Emergency Area and the hospital. Natural background radiation can contribute to the survey findings during a radiological contamination survey, but not to a great degree. The only time an ionization chamber instrument would be necessary for performing patient radiological contamination surveys is when the exposure rate coming from the contamination on the patient is gamma radiation only and is too high for the Geiger-Mueller instrument. The Radiation Safety Officer at the hospital or the radiological health officials should determine disposition of the contaminated items.
