Radiation Safety Practice Exam

What type of dosimetry measures internal exposure from radioactive materials?

1. External dosimetry

2. Biological dosimetry

3. Personal dosimetry

4. Internal dosimetry

The correct answer is: Internal dosimetry

The correct choice, which focuses on internal exposure from radioactive materials, is associated with monitoring the radiation dose received from radioactive substances that may enter the body. Internal dosimetry is specifically designed to assess the amount of radiation exposure resulting from the ingestion, inhalation, or absorption of radioactive materials. This type of monitoring is crucial because the biological effects and health impacts of internalized radioactive materials can differ significantly from external radiation exposure, necessitating specialized assessment techniques. Techniques used in internal dosimetry may include bioassays, where samples such as urine or blood are analyzed to detect the presence of radioactive isotopes. The data obtained is then used to estimate the dose received by a person due to these internal sources. In contrast, external dosimetry pertains to measuring exposure from sources outside the body, personal dosimetry relates to individual monitoring of external radiation exposure, and biological dosimetry typically assesses biological effects rather than directly measuring radiation dose from internal sources. Understanding the distinct differences between these types of dosimetry is essential for proper radiation safety and risk assessment.