Radiation is an invisible force that can be difficult to detect and track. Fortunately, advanced technology has made it possible to measure and monitor radiation levels in the air, in the environment, and even in the body. In this article, we'll explore the different ways radiation can be tracked, from air monitors to dosimeters to radiation detectors. RadNet air monitors measure the gamma radiation emitted by radioactive particles in the air as they accumulate in the monitor's air filter.
Near real-time data is continuously reviewed by computer, and if results show measurements outside normal levels, EPA laboratory personnel receive an immediate alert. The .gov means it's official – Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you are on a federal government site. The FDA promotes monitoring of radiation safety metrics (e.g., dose and adverse event data) by promoting the development of national registries and databases. FDA is working with imaging device manufacturers to ensure that their equipment is able to automatically record dose, protocol data and patient information in standardized formats.
FDA continues to work with key stakeholders to identify data sources and develop systems that advance the goals of establishing free public access to dose information in a variety of medical imaging examinations. This long-term effort will facilitate the establishment of national diagnostic reference levels where they do not yet exist and will allow for broad validation of reference levels that have been developed to date. FDA is currently working with the CRCPD to better define adverse events from medical radiation and improve incident reporting (for example, by establishing a national database of adverse events). FDA expects this work to maintain awareness of adverse events related to unnecessary radiation exposure and further clarify, for both industry and facilities, when adverse events to medical radiation are reported. Radiation detection is achieved through the use of a variety of instruments. The most common type of radiation detector is a Geiger-Mueller (GM) tube, also called a Geiger counter.
The Med-Pro dosimeter also allows workers to track their radiation intake online, allowing them to get their results more easily and quickly. This chamber contains air and an electrical conductor, as well as a low-voltage central anode to help detect radiation. The topographic meter is a portable radiation detector, which typically measures the amount of radiation present and provides this information on a numerical display in units of counts per minute, counts per second, or microroentgen (µR) or microrem (µrem) per hour. Fortunately, these devices allow you to detect radiation and know if your environment makes you vulnerable. A particular meter, known as a teletector, is specifically designed to detect gamma and X-ray radiation. An RIID is a radiation detector with the ability to analyze the energy spectrum of radiation, in order to identify the specific radioactive material (radionuclide) emitting radiation.
Dose records would allow centers to compare their radiation doses with those administered at other centers for the same examination, and such comparisons over time could help optimize patients' radiation doses for medical imaging. It's impossible to detect radiation with your own eyes, but fortunately, advanced technology lets you know what objects or body parts are contaminated. Med-Pro Harshaw radiation detectors are especially useful for workers who come into contact with radiation through their fingers, since these devices are used as armbands. When it comes to detecting tissue radiation, you can convert these factors to get the right results. RadNet has 140 air radiation monitors in 50 states and operates 24/7, collecting gamma radiation measurements in near real time. In the long term, regulating radiation by distributing high-quality radiation badges to your employees minimizes risk before it's too late.
