Radiation Safety Practice Exam

What is a drawback of the pen dosimeter?

1. It is too heavy to carry

2. It is the most accurate of all dosimetry methods

3. It must be recharged for extended use

4. It cannot measure gamma radiation

The correct answer is: It must be recharged for extended use

The pen dosimeter is designed to provide readings of radiation exposure, specifically in a compact and portable form. One of its notable drawbacks is that it requires recharging or resetting after certain uses or after a specified period to maintain its measurement accuracy. This means that for extended use, users need to ensure the device is adequately charged to function correctly. The requirement for recharging can pose a challenge in situations where continuous monitoring is necessary, such as in environments with constant radiation exposure. If a dosimeter is not recharged, it could lead to inaccurate readings or even a complete failure to register any radiation exposure, which can impact safety protocols. While other devices may offer different advantages, such as low weight or higher accuracy, the need for the pen dosimeter to be recharged is a specific limitation that users must account for.