Radiation Safety Practice Exam

Which type of dosimeter typically provides no real-time dose information?

1. Film badge

2. Electronic dosimeter

3. Self-reading dosimeter

4. Optically Stimulated Luminescent Dosimeter

The correct answer is: Film badge

A film badge is a type of dosimeter that primarily uses photographic film to measure radiation exposure. The way it works involves the film being placed in a holder that is worn by the individual. When radiation interacts with the film, it causes changes that can only be visualized and quantified after developing the film, much like traditional photography. This means that it does not provide immediate, real-time feedback about the radiation dose received. Instead, a film badge must be sent to a laboratory for processing and assessment which can take time, ranging from days to weeks, before the results are available. This characteristic distinguishes the film badge from other types of dosimeters, such as electronic dosimeters or self-reading dosimeters, which provide immediate readings in real-time or shortly after exposure. Optically Stimulated Luminescent Dosimeters (OSL) also require processing but incorporate a different mechanism. However, they can provide detailed information about the dose after the initial reading, which can sometimes be quicker than film badges.