Radiation Safety Practice Exam

What is the primary method of internal dosimetry known as?

1. Bioassay

2. Environmental sampling

3. Occupational exposure measurement

4. Health risk assessment

The correct answer is: Bioassay

The primary method of internal dosimetry is known as bioassay. Bioassay involves the measurement of radioactive materials in biological samples, such as urine, blood, or tissue, to assess the internal doses of radiation a person may have received due to exposure to radioactive substances. This method is crucial for monitoring and evaluating an individual's internal radiation exposure, particularly in workplaces where there is a risk of contamination or ingestion of radioactive materials. Bioassays are effective because they provide direct evidence of the radioactive materials present within the body and allow for calculations of the dose received based on the concentration of these materials in biological samples. They are an essential component of health physics and radiation safety programs, ensuring that radiation workers and the public are adequately protected from potential health risks associated with internal exposure. The other methods mentioned, such as environmental sampling, occupational exposure measurement, and health risk assessment, do not specifically address the measurement of internal radiation doses in organisms, which is the primary focus of bioassay. Environmental sampling relates to assessing radiation levels in the environment, occupational exposure measurement refers to evaluating external exposure to radiation, and health risk assessment involves evaluating potential health consequences from exposure, rather than measuring actual internal doses.