Where should you wear your dosimeter when taking a radiograph?

Wearing the dosimeter outside your gown at thyroid level is essential for accurately monitoring radiation exposure to a critical area of the body. The thyroid gland is particularly sensitive to ionizing radiation, and positioning the dosimeter in this area helps ensure that any radiation exposure is well-documented. By placing it at thyroid level, you gain a reliable measurement of the dose received by this vulnerable gland, which can help in assessing safety and making necessary adjustments to reduce exposure.

In contrast, other locations like the waist or in a pocket may not provide accurate data on actual exposure levels to the sensitive areas of the body during radiographic procedures. Similarly, wearing the dosimeter on your wrist may lead to underestimating the dose received by the thyroid, as it could be shielded by personal protective equipment or not accurately reflect the radiation dose experienced during the procedure.