What is the average accuracy of a film badge?

What is the average accuracy of a film badge?

• A. +- 1%
• B. +- 9%
• C. +- 25%
• D. +- 40%

Answer: (C)

Film badge dosimetry has noticeable variability because the film’s response depends on energy, processing, and handling. Because of these factors, the average accuracy is about plus or minus 25 percent. In other words, the measured dose can differ from the actual dose by roughly a quarter, due to energy dependence of the film, calibration limitations, and variations in development. The smaller options are not representative of typical film badge performance—±1% is far too precise for this type of dosimeter, and ±9% or ±40% fall outside the common range seen in practice.

Film badge dosimetry has noticeable variability because the film’s response depends on energy, processing, and handling. Because of these factors, the average accuracy is about plus or minus 25 percent. In other words, the measured dose can differ from the actual dose by roughly a quarter, due to energy dependence of the film, calibration limitations, and variations in development.

The smaller options are not representative of typical film badge performance—±1% is far too precise for this type of dosimeter, and ±9% or ±40% fall outside the common range seen in practice.