HPS N13.32-2008 PDF Download

The HPS N13.32-2008 standard provides specifications for testing the performance of dosimeters used to assess personal dose equivalent in extremities such as hands, feet, forearms, and legs. The standard outlines the procedures for conducting the tests, including the irradiation of the dosimeters under controlled conditions by a testing organization. The dosimeters are then returned to the processor for evaluation, and the results are sent back to the testing laboratory for further evaluation.

It is important to note that this standard specifically applies to dosimeters used to measure personal dose equivalent at a depth of 0.07 mm in ICRU tissue in extremities. The standard does not apply to dosimeters used to assess dose to the lens of the eye or the whole body. Additionally, the standard does not cover administrative aspects such as dosimeter identification, report formats, or placement of multiple extremity dosimeters.

The basis of absorbed dose and dose equivalent in this standard is the personal dose equivalent at 0.07 mm, as specified by the International Commission of Radiological Protection (ICRP) and the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU). The standard applies to both low-dose and high-dose conditions in photon and beta fields.

Neutron exposure of the extremities presents a special problem, but the standard does not include neutron dose equivalent tests at this time. The previous standard stated that the existing neutron conversion factors derived from a cylindrical torso phantom are not applicable to extremities. The issue of neutron testing for extremity dosimeters may be reexamined in future revisions of the standard.

The standard distinguishes between type-testing issues and periodic performance testing issues. The type-testing evaluates dosimeter performance under certain conditions, while periodic performance testing assesses the ongoing performance of the dosimeter system. The standard provides the methodology and criteria for evaluating the performance of extremity dosimeter systems. The criteria for acceptable performance are outlined in the standard.