Intercomparison measurements of extremity dosemeters in beta and/or photon radiation fields

Beta dosimetry, especially at the extremities, is gaining in importance due to the increasing use of beta particle sources, e.g. in brachytherapy. The dosimetric properties of personal dosemeters to be worn on the extremities and capable of measuring the personal dose equivalent, Hp(0.07), in beta and/or photon radiation fields were investigated within the scope of intercomparison measurements organised by the PTB in two steps. The results were evaluated on the basis of recommendations from the German Commission on Radiological Protection (SSK). In the first step 10 types of dosemeter were investigated in beta particle fields in a range of mean energies from 0.06 MeV to 0.8 MeV. In the second step, five selected beta dosemeter types were exposed to beta particles and, in addition, to photons and to mixtures of both. Three dosemeters fulfill the requirements for the whole range of mean beta energy used for the intercomparison and meet the requirements for photon radiation from 8 keV to 662 keV.