Evaluation of Inappropriate Positioning of Dosimeters in Medical Workers Based on Dose Equivalent Hp(10)

Abstract

This report presents a new method to characterize the inappropriate positioning of dosimeters based on the dose equivalent Hp(10). The Hp(10) values of medical workers were measured monthly for 12 mo using two personal dosimeters. Using the ratio between the values of Hp(10) recorded from dosimeters worn over and under protective aprons [Hp(10) over and Hp(10) under , respectively], 670 pairs of dosimeter readings were categorized into a proper use group [Hp(10) over /Hp(10) under ≥ 5] and a misuse group [Hp(10) over /Hp(10) under < 5]. Following personal interviews, the readings in the misuse group were classified into the following six subgroups: "reversed," "sometimes reversed," "both under," "both over," "without apron," and "not specified." Ultimately, the scatter plot of "Hp(10) over - Hp(10) under " vs. Hp(10) over was identified as the most promising tool for clarifying the misuse patterns of dosimeters, as individual readings were mapped to the locations of the corresponding subgroups in the obtained graphs. Our results are expected to facilitate efficient and accurate usage of dosimeters by medical workers.