Dosimeters are an important part of radiation safety in a veterinary practice. Although dosimeters themselves don’t provide protection against radiation, they help monitor the effectiveness of radiation safety protocols so that team members stay within the set limits for occupational radiation exposure. Here are some things to consider when using dosimeters in a veterinary practice…
Who Needs to Wear a Dosimetry Badge in a Veterinary Practice?
The short, simple answer is that EVERYONE who restrains pets for radiographs at any time, or who will be in the x-ray suite or near the machine, during an x-ray exposure requires a badge.
A longer and more official answer can be found by checking state and federal guidelines for specific regulations.
Often, state guidelines are stricter than federal. For example, federal rules require monitoring for any employees who may receive over 25% of their specified dose limit per any quarter. But many states specify 10% rather than 25%.
Some states list very specific requirements like wearing a monitoring device for any employee that will be restraining an animal during radiographs, regardless of what their expected exposure dose over time will be. Also, AAHA has requirements regarding dosimeters for practice that wish to become AAHA accredited.
When rules differ, default to the strictest requirement to be safe. And remember to check the most up-to-date guidelines, in case of any changes.
Some practices prefer to have dosimeters for ALL employees, even those who won’t be involved with x-rays, for liability purposes.
Can Dosimetry Badges Be Shared?
Each person needs to have their own badge, including relief vets, temporary employees, volunteers, etc.
That’s because the whole point of dosimetry badges is to monitor the exposure of each person over a period of time. Sharing badges, or reassigning a badge to a different person, would make it impossible to tell who received which portions of the documented radiation exposure.
How Much Do Dosimeters Cost?
As with much of veterinary technology, costs vary. Average prices range from $50-100 per dosimeter per year, depending on the type of dosimeter.
Look for the best price available from a supplier you trust—one that is reliable and meets any guidelines for your state.
Check how often monitoring is included, and when the dosimeters will need to be replaced/repurchased.
How to Choose a Veterinary Dosimeter?
There are different types of dosimeters available, each of which has their own advantages and disadvantages. Look at exactly what you’re receiving, rather than just the purchase price alone.
Factors other than price include…
Sensitivity, includes the ability to distinguish between different energies and types of radiation, the minimum measurable dose that can be accurately measured, and whether the angle of exposure affects the results.
Durability, including fading or fogging, or loss of ability to receive information over time, especially after exposure to light, heat, or moisture/humidity.
How the information is received or processed from the dosimeter, including whether the information is obtained in real-time or must be sent out for processing and whether the dosimeter can be re-read or only processed once.
Where and When Should Dosimeters Be Worn?
For veterinary employees who take radiographs (or who help restrain patients for radiographs or are in the suite for any reason during an x-ray exposure), the badge should be worn throughout the entire length of an x-ray study.
A dosimeter should be worn near the neck, on the outside of any lead PPE. Usually, this means clipped to the top of a lead apron.
For most employees, one badge is enough. But in some cases, more than one monitoring device is recommended.
One example is pregnant employees. If pregnant employees will be performing radiographs—which is allowed in some states but not others—a fetal dosimeter may be required, which is worn under the lead apron(s).
Some experts recommend adding a ring dosimeter for fluoroscopy.
State monitoring forms may list specific location requirements for dosimeters, or they may ask veterinary practitioners to report where on the body dosimeters are being worn and whether they are under or over the lead apron.
Where Should Dosimeters Be Stored?
Dosimetry badges should be stored outside of the x-ray suite when not in use. There should be one specific place for storage, to ensure dosimeters don’t get lost or accidentally damaged.
Some types of dosimeters are sensitive to heat, including sunlight. You can ask your badge company for specifics, but otherwise, it’s best to avoid wearing badges outside the building, especially in sunlight.
Damage could also occur if a badge is accidentally thrown into the wash, etc. Storing badges in a predetermined spot will help avoid damage and unnecessary expenses to replace damaged badges.
Control badges may also be provided along with the badges for employees. Ask the manufacturer or vendor about where to store control badges.
Where Can I Learn More About Veterinary Dosimetry Requirements?
For more specific information, check with your state veterinary board. Also, check state and federal radiation regulations. When the rules are different between state and federal, default to the strictest requirements.
This includes federal and/or state OSHA requirements. Calling your state OSHA can be very helpful.
Idexx’s Lower the Dose page (IDEXX Veterinary Radiation Safety Center - IDEXX US) has a search bar where a veterinarian or practice manager can look up their state’s radiation guidelines.
VIN (Veterinary Information Network) consultants can answer questions for VIN members. To help with the many regulatory requirements of running a veterinary practice, there is also a VIN OSHA Compliance and Practice Safety Course available.
Going through all the laws and rules can be a pain. But with the legal and ethical requirements of radiation safety, there’s no reason dosimeters shouldn’t be provided and used for the safety of veterinary personnel.
Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM
See our badges here: https://newvetequipment.com/veterinary-dosimeter-badge
