National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) Information Collection System

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PARTICIPATING IN PROFICIENCY TESTING
FOR WHOLE BODY, ELECTRONIC and EXTREMITY DOSIMETERS
The NVLAP dosimetry proficiency testing will be based on the American National Standard
N13.11-2001 for Whole Body dosimeters and ANSI N13.32-1995 for Extremity dosimeters.
A complete test of a dosimeter model requires 15 dosimeters to be irradiated over a 3-month
period in each radiation category for which accreditation is desired. The dosimeters are
evaluated in terms of shallow, deep and neutron dose equivalent as applicable.
Processors applying for accreditation for the first time, those introducing new models, or those
required to retest failures, may select a starting date of their choice according to the following
testing schedule.
1st Quarter - Extremity/EPD (Initial/Renewal)
2nd Quarter - Whole Body (Initial/Renewal/Retest)
3rd Quarter - Extremity/EPD (Retest ONLY)
4th Quarter - Whole Body (Initial/Renewal/Retest)
After the initial accreditation, dosimetry processors must perform proficiency testing of the
dosimeter(s) every two years. If you have questions about the process, please contact Betty
Ann Sandoval at 301-975-8446 or betty.sandoval@nist.gov.
Dosimeters, taken from the general population, must be submitted to the proficiency testing
laboratory (PTL) in three separate groups, a group sent each month over the 3-month period.
Each group must include five dosimeters of each model/type for each radiation category
selected. Each monthly shipment must also include at least one shipping control and at least
six extra dosimeters of each model/type to be used as spares. The first month must also
contain two extra dosimeters to be used for photographing (dosimeters may have to be
destroyed).
Dosimeters are shimmed to be parallel to the front face of the phantom and delivered doses are
normally reported to the front face of the phantom. If you want the doses reported to the active
element of the dosimeter, the offset between the phantom face and the active element must be
reported on the registration form to the PTL.
Each individual dosimeter sent for testing must have a unique identification code visible from
the outside of the dosimeter (i.e., the dosimeter case should not have to be opened by the PTL
to view the identification code. The code must not be repeated at any time during the 3-month
cycle. This code will be used to document/report the performance of each dosimeter.
Place all identical dosimeters in a separate container (plastic bag) and mark each container with
the designation used for that model/type dosimeter. (You may only specify dosimeters for
categories I and VI.)
The dosimeters must be shipped to allow sufficient time for them to arrive at the PTL at least 2
(TWO) days before the beginning of each month. Dosimeters received after the FIFTH day of a
month may be returned unirradiated.

IONIZING RADIATION DOSIMETRY PT APPLICATION (REV. 2007-09-10)

PAGE 1 OF 8

Please ship the dosimeters in a sturdy container that will survive a round trip through a parcel
shipping system. Send the dosimeters to:
Battelle for the US DOE
Attention: L. E. Myers, NVLAP
Mail Stop: P7-03
790 6th Street
Richland, WA 99354.
Each month after the dosimeters have been irradiated, they will be returned to you via a private
parcel system for evaluation. Please provide the PTL with a name and an adequate shipping
address (no P.O. Box) for the return of the dosimeters.
All evaluated doses must be reported back to the PTL within 30 days of your receipt of the
irradiated dosimeters. Failure to comply with this 30-day limit may result in all dosimeters in any
affected test category being voided.
Send all testing results or any correspondence by U.S. Mail Service to:
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Attention: L. E. Myers, NVLAP
Mail Stop: P7-03
902 Battelle Boulevard
Richland, WA 99354.
You may make corrections/changes to your reported data until the PTL receives the data for the
third month of testing.
The testing laboratory will send the results of your testing to the primary contact person within 3
weeks of receiving all of your evaluated doses.
If satisfactory performance is not demonstrated for a dosimeter in any category attempted, you
will be informed by the PTL along with the test results. You will also be notified as to what
retesting will be required.
If you need general assistance or assistance for special situations (such as damaged or lost
badges or transit doses) or if you need to request that a badge(s) be voided, please call Lyn
Myers at 509-376-8310.

IONIZING RADIATION DOSIMETRY PT APPLICATION (REV. 2007-09-10)

PAGE 2 OF 8

NEUTRON CALIBRATION IRRADIATIONS
Since it is proper to calibrate neutron dosimeters to the neutron spectrum in which they will be
used, the testing laboratory will provide free calibration irradiations for neutron dosimeters.
THESE CALIBRATION IRRADIATIONS WILL BE PROVIDED ONLY THE FIRST TIME A
DOSIMETER MODEL IS SUBMITTED FOR TESTING. This calibration should be adequate for
all future use unless otherwise notified.
If you wish to obtain a calibration irradiation, include FIVE dosimeters (TEN dosimeters if testing
252
Cf Bare and 252Cf D2O moderated) a separate container that is clearly marked "FOR
NEUTRON CALIBRATION" with the first monthly shipment. These dosimeters will be returned
to you along with a report showing the neutron dose delivered.

BETA (204Tl and 85Kr) CALIBRATION IRRADIATIONS
With the varied dosimeter response to the unfiltered 204Tl and the addition of the 85Kr source, the
PTL will provide free calibration irradiations for processors testing low energy betas in ANSI
N13.11-2001 category III or V. THESE CALIBRATION IRRADIATIONS WILL BE PROVIDED
ONLY THE FIRST TIME A DOSIMETER MODEL IS SUBMITTED FOR TESTING. This
calibration should be adequate for all future use unless otherwise notified.
If you wish to obtain a calibration irradiation, include FIVE dosimeters (TEN dosimeters if testing
both 204TL and 85Kr) in a separate container that is clearly marked "FOR BETA CALIBRATION"
with the first monthly shipment. These dosimeters will be returned to you along with a report
showing the source used and the beta dose delivered.

IONIZING RADIATION DOSIMETRY PT APPLICATION (REV. 2007-09-10)

PAGE 3 OF 8

SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR
ELECTRONIC PERSONNEL DOSIMETERS (EPDs)
PROFICIENCY TESTING
Except as modified below, the overall procedure for proficiency testing EPDs will be the same as that
specified in ANSI N13.11-2001. The performance criteria are the same as those required by ANSI
N13.11-2001 for whole body personnel dosimeters. The registration form is the same as the one used for
whole body personnel dosimeters.
1. The processor will submit five (5) EPD dosimeters each month, randomly selected from the
dosimeter population used by the laboratory for personnel monitoring, for each category to be
tested. The proficiency testing laboratory (PTL) will test the dosimeters to the ANSI N13.11-2001
criteria.
2. The maximum dose will be limited to the range of the EPD for all categories including the accident
categories. The processor must specify the range of the EPD. If the range is not specified, the
PTL will assume that there is no limit.
3. The units must be capable of being reset by the PTL.
4. Each unit needs a visible unique identifying number or set of characters.
5. The EPDs shall be shipped with the alarms turned off.
6. Each model will be photographed in order to verify that the dosimeter model proficiency tested is
the one used by the laboratory/processor. The dosimeters will not be taken apart unless specified
otherwise by NVLAP.
7. The units should be shipped in such a state that they are clear of any recorded dose so the PTL
does not overload the memory or display.
8. If it is necessary to use a separate read-out unit with the EPDs, then this unit, and the appropriate
software and cables, must also be shipped to the PTL.
9. All units must be shipped with operating instructions; a complete manual should NOT be sent.
10. The laboratory must include two spares to be used in the case of obvious dosimeter malfunctions,
such as battery failures, display failures, erratic function, and if the dosimeter indicates no
response to the radiation exposure at all.
11. The participant should place a mark on the EPD if it is necessary to center the device at
somewhere other than the geometrical center of the case. The PTL will assume that the case
should be centered over the reference point on the phantom.
12. REPORTING EPD RESULTS: The processor will read the EPDs and report the readings to the
PTL for inclusion in the performance report.

If possible, three EPDs will be placed on the phantom, each one from a different
processor (if available). The dose values obtained from this configuration can be used
as an additional comparison among the different dosimeters irradiated, and can also be
used if there is a dispute between the PTL and one of the processors on the delivered
dose.

IONIZING RADIATION DOSIMETRY PT APPLICATION (REV. 2007-09-10)

PAGE 4 OF 8

DATE:

NVLAP LAB CODE:

PROFICIENCY TESTING REGISTRATION - WHOLE BODY DOSIMETERS
Instructions: Complete this sheet for each dosimeter model that will be submitted for testing. Send one copy to NVLAP by
mail or fax to the attention of Betty Ann Sandoval, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 2140, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-2140; fax
301-926-2884, AND mail one copy to L. E. Myers, Battelle, for US DOE, Mail Stop P7-03, 790 6th Street, Richland, WA
99354, along with each group of dosimeters.
Processor’s Company Name:
Business Mailing Address:
Primary Contact Person:
Phone Number:

__________ E-Mail Address:

Name & Shipping Address for Dosimeter Return (if different from above): (NO P.O. BOX)

Phone Number:

__________E-Mail Address:

CALENDAR QUARTER FOR PROFICIENCY TESTING: CY _______________
Jan-Feb-Mar - Extremity/EPD (Initial/Renewal/Retest)
Apr-May-June - Whole Body (Initial/Renewal/Retest)

□
□

Jul-Aug-Sep - Extremity/EPD (retest ONLY)
Oct-Nov-Dec - Whole Body (Initial/Renewal/Retest)

□
□

Fill out the following information for each dosimeter model being tested (use copy of this form for additional
dosimeters if necessary) and check the appropriate subcategories from the ANSI N13.11-2001 standard:
TYPE OF DOSIMETER:
Dosimeter Manufacturer: ____
____
Dosimeter Model #:
Dosimeter Active Element Offset from Phantom (cm):
BETA/PHOTON
Film
TLD
Electronic
Other

Holder Manufacturer:
Holder Model #:
_________

______________
______________

NEUTRON

□
□
□ Range (if applicable) _________
□ Specify ____________________

TLD Albedo
NTA Film
Polycarbonate
Electronic
Other

□
□
□
□ Range (if applicable) _________
□ Specify ___________________

DOSIMETER ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
Detector Type (i.e., TLD, OSL, TED)
Detector Composition (i.e., Al2O3, CR39)
Detector Thickness (mg/cm2)

ELEMENT 1
_________
_________
_________

ELEMENT2
_________
_________
_________

ELEMENT 3
_________
_________
_________

ELEMENT 4
_________
_________
_________

OTHER
_________
_________
_________

ELEMENT 1
_________
_________
_________

ELEMENT2
_________
_________
_________

ELEMENT 3
_________
_________
_________

ELEMENT 4
_________
_________
_________

OTHER
_________
_________
_________

FILTER DESCRIPTION
Filter Material
Filter Thickness (mg/cm2)
Other

IONIZING RADIATION DOSIMETRY PT APPLICATION (REV. 2007-09-10)

PAGE 5 OF 8

DATE:

NVLAP LAB CODE:

WHOLE BODY
CATEGORY I: ACCIDENTS, PHOTONS
IA
General (IB + IC Random)
137
IB
Cs
IC
M150

□
□
□

CATEGORY II: PHOTONS
IIA
General
IIB
High E
IIC
Medium E
IID
Narrow Spectrum

□
□
□
□

CATEGORY III: BETAS
IIIA
General (IIIB + IIIC Random)
IIIB
High E
IIIC
Low E
CATEGORY IV: PHOTON MIXTURE
IVA
General (IIA + IIB)
IVB
IIB + IIC
IVC
IIB + IID

□
□
□
□
□
□

CATEGORY V: BETA/PHOTON MIXTURE
VA
General (II + III) Select Photon/Beta Category
IIA □ IIB □ IIC □ IID □
IIIA □ IIIB □ IIIC □
VB

IIB + III Select Beta Category
IIIA □ IIIB □ IIIC □

VC

IIB + IIIC

□

CATEGORY VI: NEUTRON/ PHOTON MIXTURES
VIA
General (VIB + VIC Random)
□
VIB

252

VIC

252

IONIZING RADIATION DOSIMETRY PT APPLICATION (REV. 2007-09-10)

Cf + II Select Photon Category
IIA □ IIB □ IIC □ IID □

Cf(D2O) + II Select Photon Category
IIA □ IIB □ IIC □ IID □

PAGE 6 OF 8

DATE:

NVLAP LAB CODE:

PROFICIENCY TESTING REGISTRATION - EXTREMITY DOSIMETERS
Instructions: Complete this sheet for each dosimeter model that will be submitted for testing. Send one copy to NVLAP by
mail or fax to the attention of Betty Ann Sandoval, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 2140, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-2140; fax
301-926-2884, AND mail one copy to L. E. Myers, Battelle, for US DOE, Mail Stop P7-03, 790 6th Street, Richland, WA
99354, along with each group of dosimeters.

Processor’s Company Name:
Business Mailing Address:
Primary Contact Person:
Phone Number:

__________ E-Mail Address:

Name & Shipping Address for Dosimeter Return (if different from above): (NO P.O. BOX)

Phone Number:

__________E-Mail Address:

CALENDAR QUARTER FOR PROFICIENCY TESTING: CY _______________
Jan-Feb-Mar - Extremity/EPD (Initial/Renewal/Retest)
Apr-May-June - Whole Body (Initial/Renewal/Retest)

□
□

Jul-Aug-Sep - Extremity/EPD (retest ONLY
Oct-Nov-Dec - Whole Body (Initial/Renewal/Retest)

□
□

Fill out the following information for each dosimeter model being tested (use copy of this form for additional
dosimeters if necessary) and check the appropriate categories from the ANSI N13.32 standard:
TYPE OF DOSIMETER:
Dosimeter Manufacturer:
Dosimeter Model #:
Dosimeter Active Element Offset from Phantom (cm):
BETA/PHOTON NEUTRON
Film
□
TLD
Electronic
Other

Holder Manufacturer:
Holder Model #:

TLD Albedo

□
□ Range (if applicable) _________
□ Specify ____________________

NTA Film
Polycarbonate
Electronic
Other

_______________
_______________

□
□
□
□ Range (if applicable) _________
□ Specify ___________________

DOSIMETER ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
Detector Type (i.e., TLD, OSL, TED)
Detector Composition (i.e., Al2O3, CR39)
Detector Thickness (mg/cm2)

ELEMENT 1
_________
_________
_________

ELEMENT2
_________
_________
_________

ELEMENT 3
_________
_________
_________

ELEMENT 4
_________
_________
_________

OTHER
_________
_________
_________

ELEMENT 1
_________
_________
_________

ELEMENT2
_________
_________
_________

ELEMENT 3
_________
_________
_________

ELEMENT 4
_________
_________
_________

OTHER
_________
_________
_________

FILTER DESCRIPTION
Filter Material
Filter Thickness (mg/cm2)
Other

IONIZING RADIATION DOSIMETRY PT APPLICATION (REV. 2007-09-10)

PAGE 7 OF 8

DATE:

NVLAP LAB CODE:

EXTREMITY
CATEGORIES

CATEGORIES

I
II

Accidents, Low energy
Accidents, High energy

□
□

IIIA
IIIB

General, low energy
High energy techniques

□
□

IVA
IVB

High energy, 137Cs
High energy, 60Co

□
□

VA
VB
VC
VD

Beta, High energy
Beta, Low energy
Beta, General
Slab, Uranium

□
□
□
□

VI

Mixtures, Photons

□

VIIA
VIIB
VIIC
VIID

Mixtures, Photon & Beta (IV+VA)
Mixtures, Photon & Beta (IV+VB)
Mixtures, Photon & Beta (IV+VC)
Mixtures, Photon & Beta (IV+VD)

□
□
□
□

IONIZING RADIATION DOSIMETRY PT APPLICATION (REV. 2007-09-10)

PAGE 8 OF 8