ABSTRACT
A major component of any radiation protection program includes monitoring the radiation exposure of any individual who might be exposed during a study. Although wearing one of the several types of devices does not, in itself, provide any protection from radiation exposure, it generates valuable information. Radiographers-the individuals who operate the equipment-are required to wear at least one monitoring device that is “read” on a routine basis, usually monthly or bimonthly. Those reports are posted and the record follows the individual even if he or she changes employers. Readings also serve as a mechanism to evaluate the radiation protection practices developed for a specific procedure. If high readings were reported, either the equipment operator was careless and requires additional education or the procedure needs to be redesigned.
