When worn during a procedure, instrument provides the wearer with continuous information about the dose rate that they are receiving
New from Southern Scientific is the Unfors EDD-30 (Educational Direct Dosimeter).
Unique in many ways, this instrument should not be confused with a standard personal dosimeter because it incorporates an extremely small solid-state detector located at the end of a 1.5metre cable allowing it to be placed anywhere on the body in order to provide organ-specific dose information.
The detector also has a 360deg spherical response and a sensitivity and accuracy to rival TLDs or film badges.
It can even be chemically sterilised if required.
When worn during a procedure, the EDD-30 provides the wearer with continuous information about the dose rate that they are receiving, whereas TLDs or film badges only provide retrospective information of accumulated dose.
Audible signals are activated whenever the dose rate threshold, pre-selected by the wearer, is reached and this instantaneous feedback gives the wearer the opportunity to modify action during the procedure in order to reduce their personal dose; hence the 'educational' nature of this instrument.
The EDD-30 will be of particular interest to radiologists, medical physicists, cardiologists, surgeons, radiographers, nursing staff or anyone else who is involved in interventional X-ray procedures.
Another version of the EDD-30, known as the NED (Nuclear Educational Dosimeter), that closely resembles the EDD-30 but will be calibrated specifically for use in the dispensing of radio-pharmaceuticals will be available shortly.
