Texas Industrial Radiography Gamma Practice Test

When a pocket dosimeter is damaged, how will the dose readings typically appear?

1. Falsely Low

2. Falsely High

3. Accurate enough

4. Unaffected

The correct answer is: Falsely High

When a pocket dosimeter is damaged, the dose readings typically appear falsely high. This phenomenon occurs because damage to the dosimeter can interfere with its internal mechanisms, such as the ionization chamber or the electrical components. When these areas are compromised, they may react erratically to incoming radiation, resulting in inflated readings when the dose is actually lower than what's indicated. This can lead to situations where a radiographer might believe they've been exposed to a higher level of radiation than what they truly experienced, which can impact safety protocols and decision-making regarding exposure limits and personal safety. Understanding this potential for inaccurate readings emphasizes the importance of regularly checking and calibrating dosimeters to ensure they're functioning correctly, as well as maintaining proper handling practices to minimize the risk of damage. This awareness is crucial in the field of industrial radiography, where accurate dose measurement is essential for the safety of personnel.