Welcome to the LANDAUER Radiation Dosimetry Monitoring Service
We encourage you to get acquainted with your myLDR account as soon as possible. In myLDR, you control and access your organization’s account data. This includes individual participants data, billing, frequency of dosimeter exchange, tracking, and radiation dose reports.
And you will find helpful hints on how to read your report and more.
Table of Contents
HOW DO YOU USE A LUXEL®+ WHOLE BODY BADGE?
WHO SHOULD WEAR A BADGE, WHAT TIME, AND HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO EXCHANGE?
WHAT IS AN EXCHANGE FREQUENCY?
WHAT IS A SUBACCOUNT?
WHAT IS A SITE CHARGE?
WHAT IS A SET UP CHARGE?
DO WE NEED TO PROVIDE THE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND BIRTH DATE?
DO WE NEED TO PROVIDE A PURCHASE ORDER NUMBER WHEN ORDERING SERVICE?
WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY FIRST INVOICE?
HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO EXCHANGE MY BADGES?
WHAT DO I INCLUDE WITH THE BADGES I RETURN FOR PROCESSING?
Product & Technology Information
WHAT TYPE OF DOSIMETERS DO YOU PROVIDE TO MONITOR PHOTONS AND BETA PARTICLES?
WHAT TYPE OF DOSIMETERS DO YOU PROVIDE TO MONITOR NEUTRONS?
WHAT IS INSIDE LUXEL+, AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
WHAT TYPE OF INFORMATION DOES LUXEL+ IMAGING PROVIDE?
WHAT IS A STATIC OR DYNAMIC EXPOSURE?
WHAT IS OSL?
WHAT DOES THE RING USE TO MEASURE RADIATION EXPOSURE?
CAN RINGS BE STERILIZED?
LANDAUER SPECIAL SERVICES
WHAT IS NVLAP?
Program Management
SHOULD AN EMPLOYEE WHO WORKS AT TWO FACILITIES HAVE TWO SEPARATE BADGES?
IS THERE A SPECIFIC DATE TO NOTE MY CHANGES AND DELETIONS?
WHY DID WE RECEIVE A NEW BADGE AFTER WE DELETED THAT BADGE?
AFTER I DELETE A BADGE, SHOULD I SEND IT TO LANDAUER IMMEDIATELY FOR ANALYSIS?
WHY WAS A BADGE REPORTED AS UNUSED IF IT WAS USED?
WILL YOU CALL US RIGHT AWAY IF AN EMPLOYEE HAS A HIGH DOSE?
IS THERE AN EASIER WAY TO TRACK LATE AND UNRETURNED BADGES?
ARE THERE SPECIFIC BADGING REQUIREMENTS FOR PREGNANT RADIATION WORKERS?
DO YOU PROVIDE SPECIFIC BADGING FOR PREGNANT RADIATION WORKERS?
HOW CAN I TRACK MY SHIPMENT ONLINE?
GET YOUR DOSE REPORTS ELECTRONICALLY
HOW DO I REQUEST EMERGENCY PROCESSING?
WHY ARE THERE CHARGES FOR DOSIMETERS DUE – NOT RETURNED ON MY INVOICE?
HOW DO I MAKE A CHANGE TO AN EXISTING SERVICE?
HOW DOES ADVANCED BILLING WORK?
Control Dosimeters
HOW DO I USE A CONTROL BADGE/DOSIMETER?
I ADDED A BADGE AND RECEIVED ANOTHER CONTROL. WHAT DO I DO WITH THE CONTROL?
I CANNOT LOCATE A CONTROL TO RETURN… CAN YOU HELP ME?
CAN I HAVE EXTRA CONTROLS INCLUDED WITH MY SHIPMENT?
WHY DID WE GET A REPORT INDICATING NO CONTROL WAS RETURNED?
WE HAVE SEVERAL SUBACCOUNTS. IS IT NECESSARY TO HAVE A CONTROL WITH EACH?
Reports and Reporting
WHAT ADMINISTRATIVE AIDS DO YOU HAVE THAT CAN HELP ME WITH MY ALARA PROGRAM?
CAN I HAVE A COPY OF MY EXPOSURE REPORT SENT TO A DIFFERENT ADDRESS?
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECEIVE AN EXPOSURE REPORT?
COULD YOU PROVIDE ME WITH MY EXPOSURE HISTORY?
HOW CAN I HAVE AN EMPLOYEE’S PRIOR EXPOSURE HISTORY ADDED?
CAN THE SOCIAL SECURITY OR ID NUMBER AND BIRTH DATE BE REMOVED FROM REPORTS?
WHAT DOES “ASSIGNED DOSE BASED ON EDE 1 CALCULATION” MEAN?
CAN LIFETIME HISTORY FROM A PAST EMPLOYER BE INCLUDED IN MY REPORT?
Other Technical Information
WHAT ARE THE ANNUAL RADIATION EXPOSURE LIMITS?
What is ALARA?
WHAT IS ANSI/HPS N13.11?
HOW DO YOU USE A LUXEL®+ WHOLE BODY BADGE?
Dosimeters arrive in a plastic bag. Remove the badge and break off the plastic tab at top to snap into its holder to place on your clothing.
An icon on the face of the Luxel+ dosimeter identifies the correct placement of the dosimeter. Icons include whole body and extremity use, area monitoring, and an icon designed for fetal monitoring. Wear the dosimeter with the icon facing away from the body.
Dosimeters should be worn during working hours to record occupational exposure (do not wear dosimeters during non-working hours while undergoing diagnostic or medical procedures where exposures would not be part of your occupational exposure history).
At the end of the wear period, snap the used Luxel+ dosimeter out of the holder and replace it with the dosimeter for the new wear period. Return the used dosimeter along with the control dosimeter of the same wear date to LANDAUER to process for exposure.
WHO SHOULD WEAR A BADGE, WHAT TIME, AND HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO EXCHANGE?
The best source of information about who should be wearing radiation badges/dosimeters, what type, and how often you should exchange your dosimeters is your state radiation safety office as requirements vary from state to state. Your Radiation Safety Officer can also advise you of your organization’s needs.
To find specific state information about radiation regulation status, legislation, contact information, State Agreement, and program reviews, go to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission website, found here. In addition, most state radiation control agencies have web sites and are listed here.
WHAT IS AN EXCHANGE FREQUENCY?
An exchange frequency is how often dosimeters are shipped. Exchange frequencies from one week up to one year are available dependent on type of dosimetry service:
- Weekly
- Bi-weekly
- Semi-monthly
- Monthly
- Bi-monthly, alternate months
- Quarterly
- Semi-annual
- Annual
- One time only
WHAT IS A SUBACCOUNT?
A subaccount is a department grouping you can elect to have setup within your account to help you administratively manage your dosimetry program. All subaccounts can be shipped to one address site, or separately shipped to different address sites. Department groupings within accounts segregate departments on dosimetry reports and other administrative documents such as the packing list.
WHAT IS A SITE CHARGE?
When you elect to have separate department (subaccount) groupings setup within your account, all subaccounts can be shipped to one address incurring a single site charge per subaccount or shipped separately to different addresses incurring a multiple site charge per subaccount.
WHAT IS A SET UP CHARGE?
A setup charge is a one-time cost incurred for setting up an employee (participant) to receive LANDAUER dosimetry service
DO WE NEED TO PROVIDE THE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND BIRTH DATE?
Check with your state radiation safety office as they may require this information on your reports. For privacy and/or posting needs, you can request that LANDAUER suppress on the second and remaining copies of a report the ID number and date of birth; or the name and date of birth; or the name.
To find specific state information about radiation regulation status, legislation, contact information, State Agreement, and program reviews, go to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission website, found here. In addition, most state radiation control agencies have web sites and are listed here.
DO WE NEED TO PROVIDE A PURCHASE ORDER NUMBER WHEN ORDERING SERVICE?
Dosimetry service and dosimeters: The only time a purchase order is required is if your company requires a purchase order to facilitate payment. In that case, the purchase order must then be provided when placing your order.
Capital purchases: A purchase order is required for all capital products with limited exceptions.
WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY FIRST INVOICE?
LANDAUER sends your initial invoice to you about one month after you receive your first shipment. This invoice will bill the originally ordered quantities and dosimeter types in advance for the minimum order period for your shipping frequency, usually one year.
HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO EXCHANGE MY BADGES?
About one week before your exchange date, your new badges/dosimeters will arrive. The date shown on either the front or the back of the dosimeter is the beginning date of your wear period. Use your dosimeters beginning on the wear date or as close to that date as possible.
Return all used and unused dosimeters at the end of each wear period along with the control dosimeter(s) of the same type and wear date.
Mail to: LANDAUER
Attention: Receiving Department
2 Science Road
Glenwood, IL 60425-1586
Mark on the outside of the package "Do Not X-Ray; X-Ray Badges Enclosed”
WHAT DO I INCLUDE WITH THE BADGES I RETURN FOR PROCESSING?
Routine returning shipments to LANDAUER do not require any documentation. The information supplied on each badge is sufficient to process and report badge exposure. Return all used and unused dosimeters at the end of each wear period to avoid badge unreturned dosimeter fees.
Snap Luxel+ dosimeters out of their holders and return them to LANDAUER along with the control dosimeter(s) of the same wear date (retain the holders). Luxel+ dosimeters returned in original casing with tabs intact (excluding control dosimeters) are reported as unused.
When returning dosimeters that shipped separately from the regular shipment for the wear date, please include any control dosimeters that accompanied those shipments.
Do not return to LANDAUER any dosimeter that is suspected to be radioactively or otherwise contaminated. Your Radiation Safety Officer should supply LANDAUER with an estimated dose for the individual whose dosimeter was contaminated.
Do not include the packing list with dosimeters being returned to LANDAUER.
Exceptions:
- Unused Dosimeters - When returning to LANDAUER dosimeters that you wish to be reported as “unused,” enclose a:
- List of the dosimeters not used, and a
- Statement with an authorized signature verifying the dosimeters are unused.
- Duplicate Shipments - When returning a duplicate dosimeter(s) for a wear period to obtain credit for the replacement fee, and you do not want the dosimeter(s) reported as unused, return the dosimeter(s) in a bag separate from the regular wear period dosimeters, and enclose a:
- List of the dosimeters returned for replacement fee credit, and a
- Statement with an authorized signature verifying the dosimeters are being returned for replacement fee credit only, and you do not wish to have them processed and reported as unused.
Product & Technology Information
WHAT TYPE OF DOSIMETERS DO YOU PROVIDE TO MONITOR PHOTONS AND BETA PARTICLES?
For monitoring photons (X or gamma ray) and beta particles, LANDAUER offers a full range of dosimetry services for both routine and special monitoring applications. Our OSL (optically stimulated luminescence) dosimeters are Luxel+ and InLight for whole body and area monitoring. In addition, we offer two TLD (thermoluminescent dosimetry) rings dosimeter for extremity monitoring.
LANDAUER is fully accredited by NVLAP for ionizing radiation dosimetry for specific services (NVLAP Lab Code 100518-0) and accredited by other governing bodies throughout the world.
Please view our Dosimeters & Radiation Measurement Services page for specific details about each of our products.
WHAT TYPE OF DOSIMETERS DO YOU PROVIDE TO MONITOR NEUTRONS?
LANDAUER provides neutron monitoring with Neutrak®
In addition, Luxel+ is an integrated, self-contained packet that comes preloaded, incorporating a thin strip of specially formulated aluminum oxide crystalline material sandwiched within a four-element filter pack that is heat sealed within a laminated, light-tight paper wrapper. All of these components are RF (radiofrequency) sealed inside a tamper-proof plastic blister pack to eliminate possible mishandling, light leakage or lost detection elements. An optional CR-39 component for neutron monitoring can also be incorporated within the dosimeter's clear plastic pack.
For further information, click here for the dosimeter specifications.
WHAT IS INSIDE LUXEL+, AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
Inside Luxel+ is an integrated, self-contained packet that comes preloaded, incorporating a thin strip of specially formulated aluminum oxide crystalline material sandwiched within a four-element filter pack that is heat sealed within a laminated, light-tight paper wrapper. All of these components are RF (radiofrequency) sealed inside a tamper-proof plastic blister pack to eliminate possible mishandling, light leakage or lost detection elements. An optional CR-39 component for neutron monitoring can also be incorporated within the dosimeter's clear plastic pack.
The Luxel+ dosimeter measures radiation exposure due to x, gamma and beta radiation with optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) technology. The OSL radiation detector inside the Luxel+ dosimeter is the thin strip of specially formulated aluminum oxide (Al2O3) crystalline material. During analysis in our laboratory, the Al2O3 strip is stimulated with selected frequencies of laser light causing it to luminesce in proportion to the amount of radiation dose and the intensity of stimulation light.
The luminescence measured during analysis is applied to a dose algorithm that relies on the response ratios between different filter positions within the dosimeter to discriminate between beta and photon (x and gamma) radiation fields to determine exposure results. Dose equivalents arising from exposures to photons (x or gamma rays) will have a deep, lens of eye and shallow value reported. Depending on the energy of the x or gamma rays, these values may or may not be equal. Beta exposures are reported only as a shallow dose equivalent.
The detector can be restimulated numerous times to confirm the accuracy of a radiation dose measurement. A full reanalysis is automatically performed for every measurement yielding a dose in excess of 500 mrem (5 mSv).
The imaging area renders unique filter patterns that provide qualitative information about conditions during exposure. Imaging to identify static, dynamic, or contamination conditions is automatically performed for low-energy photon measurements yielding a dose in excess of 500 mrem (5 mSv).
WHAT TYPE OF INFORMATION DOES LUXEL+ IMAGING PROVIDE?
The filter pack imaging area renders unique filter patterns that provide qualitative information about conditions during exposure. Imaging to identify static, dynamic, or contamination conditions is automatically performed for all beta and low-energy photon measurements yielding a dose in excess of 500 mrem (5 mSv).
A static exposure image indicates the dosimeter was still with no movement at the time of exposure. This is verified by the distinct grid patterns in the filter pack imaging area. A static exposure implies that the dosimeter was not worn at the time of exposure, and an accidental exposure may have occurred.
A dynamic exposure image indicates the dosimeter was moving at the time of exposure. This is verified by the blurred grid patterns in the filter pack imaging area. A dynamic exposure implies that the dosimeter was worn at the time of exposure, and the reported dose is valid.
WHAT IS A STATIC OR DYNAMIC EXPOSURE?
Full reanalysis, including imaging to identify static, dynamic, or contamination conditions, is automatically performed for all beta and low-energy photon measurements yielding a dose in excess of 500 mrem (5 mSv). Reanalysis and/or imaging results for an exposure appear in notes at the bottom of the dosimetry report. It is the filter pack imaging area that renders unique filter patterns that provide qualitative information about conditions during exposure.
A static exposure image indicates the dosimeter was still with no movement at the time of exposure. This is verified by the distinct grid patterns in the filter pack imaging area. A static exposure implies that the dosimeter was not worn at the time of exposure, and an accidental exposure may have occurred.
A dynamic exposure image indicates the dosimeter was moving at the time of exposure. This is verified by the blurred grid patterns in the filter pack imaging area. A dynamic exposure implies that the dosimeter was worn at the time of exposure, and the reported dose is valid.
WHAT IS OSL?
OSL is an acronym for optically stimulated luminescence. OSL technology is used in LANDAUER’s Luxel+ and InLight dosimeters
WHAT DOES THE RING USE TO MEASURE RADIATION EXPOSURE?
The LANDAUER Saturn®ring dosimeters rely on thermoluminescent (TLD) technology.
The TLD chip is safely encapsulated inside the identification cover. The cover and TLD are independent of the ring base.
CAN RINGS BE STERILIZED?
All LANDAUER dosimeters may be cleaned with disinfecting wipe, liquid or spray. Saturn Rings can be sterilized with Betadine or Cidex®, hydrogen peroxide gas sterilization.
LANDAUER SPECIAL SERVICES
LANDAUER can support special dosimetry studies where conventional personnel dosimetry is inappropriate. Through Special Services, much tighter tolerances, special calibrations and other non-routine functions can be provided. Examples of special services have included patient dose assessment, blood bank irradiation studies, high dose dosimetry, source calibration, and area monitoring.
Please contact the Special Services Department at [email protected] for requests of this nature.
WHAT IS NVLAP?
NVLAP, an acronym for the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program, accredits testing laboratories based upon their ability to meet established standards in specific fields of testing. Testing is achieved by on-site assessments and laboratory participation in proficiency testing, technical evaluation, and administrative review. Accreditation must be renewed each year. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), an agency of the U.S. Department Commerce's Technology Administration, manages NVLAP. NVLAP's Ionizing Radiation Dosimetry field of testing was established in 1984 to implement the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) requirement that all dosimeters (badges) used by licensees to comply with federal law must be processed and evaluated by a NVLAP accredited laboratory. The NRC's requirements can be found in the Standards for Protection Against Radiation, published in the Code of Federal Regulations. LANDAUER's facility is fully accredited by NVLAP (NVLAP Lab Code: 100518-0) for ionizing radiation dosimetry for specific services. A copy of our current certificate and scope of accreditation is available here.
Program Management
SHOULD AN EMPLOYEE WHO WORKS AT TWO FACILITIES HAVE TWO SEPARATE BADGES?
Yes, the employee should have a separate badge at each location. This will identify in which facility the employee was working if dose is received
IS THERE A SPECIFIC DATE TO NOTE MY CHANGES AND DELETIONS?
Yes. Changes to be effective for your next wear date must be completed no later than the return date printed on your packing list (approximately 25 days before the next wear date).
LANDAUER offers our clients 24-hour access to myLDR, our online account management tool for your dosimetry program. You can use myLDR to easily retrieve invoices and reports, make account changes, pay online and much more with this helpful tool. Sign up for an account at myLDR or contact our Client Experience Center at 1-800-323-8830.
Additionally, changes can be submitted to the Client Experience Center. To complete account updates for participant adds, changes or deletes please submit all requests to our Client Experience Center Team via email at [email protected] or phone at 1-800-323-8830.
All written requests for changes should always include your account number, subaccount, participant number, and an authorized signature.
Do not submit a packing list with requested changes to LANDAUER with used dosimeters. In addition, please do not submit handwritten requests as they are often illegible, which may contribute to further delays.
WHY DID WE RECEIVE A NEW BADGE AFTER WE DELETED THAT BADGE?
For a change to be effective for your next wear date, the change must be completed no later than the return date printed on your packing list (about 25 days before the next wear date).
Manage your account on myLDR your online account management tool for your dosimetry program. You can use myLDR to easily retrieve invoices and reports, make account changes, pay online and much more with this helpful tool. Sign up for an account at myLDR or contact our Client Experience Center at 1-800-323-8830.
Additionally, changes can be submitted to the Client Experience Center. To complete account updates for participant adds, changes or deletes please submit all requests to our Client Experience Center Team via email at [email protected] or phone at 1-800-323-8830.
All written requests for changes should always include your account number, subaccount, participant number, and an authorized signature.
Do not submit a packing list with requested changes to LANDAUER with used dosimeters. Doing so will cause delays. In addition, handwritten requests are often illegible, which may contribute to further delays.
AFTER I DELETE A BADGE, SHOULD I SEND IT TO LANDAUER IMMEDIATELY FOR ANALYSIS?
No, you can wait until you return all of your badges/dosimeters at the end of the wear period
WHY WAS A BADGE REPORTED AS UNUSED IF IT WAS USED?
Dosimeters arrive in a plastic bag. Remove the badge and break off the plastic tab at top to snap into its holder to place on your clothing. If the dosimeter is returned with the plastic tab intact, it will be considered unused.
WILL YOU CALL US RIGHT AWAY IF AN EMPLOYEE HAS A HIGH DOSE?
LANDAUER provides free notification by phone or fax when an individual's dose exceeds 20% of regulatory limits (e.g. deep, lens of eye, shallow, etc.) for any given wear period, or 50% of the regulatory limit year-to-date.
IS THERE AN EASIER WAY TO TRACK LATE AND UNRETURNED BADGES?
Yes – use your myLDR account to more easily track late and unreturned dosimeters. Sign up for a myLDR account or contact our Client Experience Center at 1-800-323-8830.
Additionally, LANDAUER's standard reporting service -- offers at no additional charge -- an absentee reporting option whereby the exposure report shows all participants and indicates those not returning a dosimeter for the period. This feature is triggered when 80% of the account's dosimeters for the specific wear period have been reported. This may be lowered or raised higher depending on your need for dose tracking.
In addition, if you are monitoring with Luxel+, the graphic formats change in color with each exchange frequency so you can routinely check the color of the badge for the current wear period.
ARE THERE SPECIFIC BADGING REQUIREMENTS FOR PREGNANT RADIATION WORKERS?
In most cases yes.
If your workplace is regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, regulations require that institutions holding radioactive materials licenses instruct individuals working with radioactive materials in radiation protection as appropriate. There are specific considerations for women who are pregnant. Check the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's web site.
In some states, other regulatory agencies and licensees may adhere to other rules and regulations. Your radiation safety officer is the best source of information about who should be wearing radiation badges, what type, and how often you should exchange your badges and your state radiation safety office.
DO YOU PROVIDE SPECIFIC BADGING FOR PREGNANT RADIATION WORKERS?
LANDAUER can provide a Luxel+ badge coded for the “fetal” body location to be worn in addition to her whole- body badge. The mother's exposure appears as usual on the standard dosimetry report plus appears again with the fetal exposure results on an additional page of the dosimetry report (the last page for an account, or if the account has subaccounts, the last page for each subaccount).
The estimated deep dose from conception to declaration appears if supplied to LANDAUER along with the total declaration to current deep dose.
In addition, LANDAUER has a Fetal Monitor Report that helps to easily track the exposure of all your declared workers. Every month a summary report displays estimated dose from conception to declaration, rolling exposure history by month for both mother and child, and accumulated fetal totals for the gestation period.
The Fetal Monitor Report involves a charge in addition to your basic service.
HOW CAN I TRACK MY SHIPMENT ONLINE?
You can track your dosimeter shipments online at myLDR. Sign up for an account at myLDR or contact our Client Experience Center at 1-800-323-8830.
GET YOUR DOSE REPORTS ELECTRONICALLY
Retrieve electronic copies of dose reports via myLDR, LANDAUER's secure and expedient way of accessing reports. Once enrolled you will receive automatic email notifications every time a report is generated for your account. LANDAUER provides solutions to mass download multiple reports at one time, review and sign reports using eSignature and more. Protect confidential employee and dosimetry information while protecting the environment. Go paperless with LANDAUER by emailing us at [email protected].
HOW DO I REQUEST EMERGENCY PROCESSING?
Emergency processing is available for a fee for dosimeters suspected of receiving overexposure. Ship your package overnight and include the tracking number. Then call Customer Service Technical at 1-800-323-8830. Have the following information available:
- Account number
- Name and phone number of the person to be contacted with the dose reading(s) email
- Number and types of dosimeters being returned
- Name of commercial courier for return shipment and tracking # expected delivery date
- Source of exposure
- Any other information you feel pertinent
Include the same information inside your shipment. Enclose a note with the return shipment listing the name and phone number of the person to contact. Mark the outside of the package: EMERGENCY PROCESSING. For shipments received by 10:00 a.m. Central daylight-saving time, LANDAUER will phone the dose results to the point of contact by 4:30 p.m. Central daylight-saving time. For neutron dosimeters, LANDAUER will phone the dose results to the point of contact by two business days
WHY ARE THERE CHARGES FOR DOSIMETERS DUE – NOT RETURNED ON MY INVOICE?
The dosimeter may have been returned more than 90 days after the end wear date or a dosimeter may have been returned damaged.
All dosimeters remain the property of LANDAUER, Inc. A dosimeter (including a control dosimeter) is considered lost if it is not returned to LANDAUER within 90 days after the end wear date, and damaged if it is not returned in good condition. A replacement fee based upon the dosimeter type is charged to your account for each dosimeter not returned or damaged.
If a lost dosimeter is found and returned to LANDAUER in good condition: 90 days or less after the end wear date, the replacement fee is credited; more than 90 days after the end wear date, the replacement fee is not credited.
HOW DO I MAKE A CHANGE TO AN EXISTING SERVICE?
Once your service is established, you can make changes in the following ways:
Online: myLDR
Email: [email protected]
Mail:
LANDAUER
2 Science Road
Glenwood, IL 60425
Phone: 1-800-323-8830
Fax: 708-755-7016
In order for a change to be effective for your next wear date, the change must be completed no later than the return date printed on your packing list (approximately 25 days before the next wear date).
Make your changes easily online at your myLDR account. You can use myLDR to easily retrieve invoices and reports, make account changes, pay online and much more with this helpful tool. Sign up for an account at myLDR or contact our Client Experience Center at 1-800-323-8830.
Additionally, changes can be submitted to the Client Experience Center. To complete account updates for participant adds, changes or deletes please submit all requests to our Client Experience Center Team via email at [email protected] or phone at 1-800-323-8830.
All written requests for changes should always include your account number, subaccount, participant number, and an authorized signature.
Do not submit a packing list with requested changes to LANDAUER with used dosimeters. Doing so will cause delays in expected processing time. In addition, handwritten requests are often illegible which may contribute to further delays
HOW DOES ADVANCED BILLING WORK?
Advanced billing reflects charges for the next minimum order period for your shipping frequency, usually one year, and is based on your originally ordered quantities and dosimeter types. As each shipment is made, the charges for that shipment and any other charges, such as setup charges for new participants, duplicate reports, optional reports, emergency processing, etc., are posted to your account for billing. At the end of the routine billing cycle, the actual charges are printed on a new invoice and credit is given for the amount previously estimated in advance. This comparison may result in additional charges
Control Dosimeters
HOW DO I USE A CONTROL BADGE/DOSIMETER?
A separate dosimeter known and labeled as a control dosimeter is included with each dosimeter shipment to monitor radiation received in transit or storage. When the dosimeters are returned to LANDAUER for processing and analysis, the control dosimeter exposure is subtracted from each individual dosimeter exposure in the shipment to separate the occupational dose from the background exposure.
It is very important that the control dosimeter(s) assigned to a shipment accompany that shipment in transit both from and to LANDAUER. And, if you are returning dosimeters that shipped separately from the regular shipment for the wear date, include any control dosimeters that accompanied those shipments.
Do not use the control dosimeter for any other purpose! Store control dosimeters away from radiation with dosimeters of the same type and wear date when not in use (do not store dosimeters near a radioactive source or in an X-ray room)
I ADDED A BADGE AND RECEIVED ANOTHER CONTROL. WHAT DO I DO WITH THE CONTROL?
A control dosimeter is always shipped with a badge shipment whether it is your routine shipment or a separate shipment for a newly added dosimeter to the account. The control dosimeter assigned to a shipment should accompany that shipment in transit both from and to LANDAUER. Do not use the control dosimeter for any other purpose!
Store control dosimeters away from radiation with dosimeters of the same type and wear date when not in use (do not store dosimeters near a radioactive source or in an X-ray room). When returning dosimeters that shipped separately from the regular shipment for the wear date, include the control dosimeters that accompanied those shipments
I CANNOT LOCATE A CONTROL TO RETURN… CAN YOU HELP ME?
LANDAUER can arrange to automatically subtract a calculated average background exposure from the dosimeters in your shipment when a control dosimeter was not included with your return shipment. The service calculates a fraction of a millirem per day that totals approximately six mrem per month starting from the manufacturing date of the dosimeter and ending with the readout date. The formula for this service is based on the data presented in NCRP Report No. 94 “Exposure of the Population in the United States and Canada from Natural Background Radiation” published in 1988 by the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements.
CAN I HAVE EXTRA CONTROLS INCLUDED WITH MY SHIPMENT?
LANDAUER automatically supplies a control dosimeter (at no charge) for each account and can supply additional control dosimeters (at no charge) to help you structure your program for control handling. For example, if you return dosimeters in many shipments instead of one, we can arrange to routinely ship additional control dosimeters so that you can include a control dosimeter with each shipment returned separately to LANDAUER for processing.
WHY DID WE GET A REPORT INDICATING NO CONTROL WAS RETURNED?
In general, the control dosimeter that was returned may not have been the same wear date. Also, if an additional dosimeter was added during the wear period, the control dosimeter shipped with the non-routine shipment may not have been included in the return shipment.
WE HAVE SEVERAL SUBACCOUNTS. IS IT NECESSARY TO HAVE A CONTROL WITH EACH?
LANDAUER can replace multiple subaccount control dosimeters with a master control for an account when we ship all of your dosimeters to one place and they are stored at one location
Reports and Reporting
WHAT ADMINISTRATIVE AIDS DO YOU HAVE THAT CAN HELP ME WITH MY ALARA PROGRAM?
For effective tracking, LANDAUER's standard exposure report accumulates dose year to date so you can routinely review exposure levels against ALARA levels. LANDAUER's early notification of high exposure levels warns you within 24 hours of dosimeter processing of individuals exceeding preset ALARA levels set by you or LANDAUER uses the guidelines established by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Standard reports and early notification features are included within your basic LANDAUER dosimetry service. ALARA Memos, ALARA Recap.
LANDAUER also has an ALARA memo service and ALARA reports that can help you with your ALARA compliance. ALARA memos save time by automatically generating a letter to an employee whose exposure level has exceeded a quarterly and/or annual preset value. Sent to you for initial review, the personalized letter advises the employee about the level, exposure type, and amount of exposure, and if it exceeds Level II, provides a questionnaire for the employee to return to you.
LANDAUER's ALARA reports are generated quarterly and annually. These detailed reports provide monthly breakouts of exposure by individual and show whole body and extremity exposures. Quarterly reports flag Level I and II excursions for the quarter and year to date, while annual reports quickly show trends by individuals and departments for the year. Reports track both individual and collective dose.
The ALARA memo and ALARA report services are available on myLDR or by contacting Customer Service and involve a charge in addition to your basic service.
CAN I HAVE A COPY OF MY EXPOSURE REPORT SENT TO A DIFFERENT ADDRESS?
Yes. Duplicate copies of dosimetry reports can be mailed on a regular basis to the same address or to another address you designate. A charge does apply.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECEIVE AN EXPOSURE REPORT?
At the end of each wear period, dosimeters returned to our laboratory for processing are analyzed, and a dosimetry report is available in your myLDR account within five working days from the receipt of the dosimeters. Emergency processing with an expedited report is available for dosimeters suspected of receiving overexposure.
COULD YOU PROVIDE ME WITH MY EXPOSURE HISTORY?
No, we cannot supply an individual with his or her history. All information is confidential to the owner of the account. You will need to contact your former employer or school and request your occupational exposure history.
HOW CAN I HAVE AN EMPLOYEE’S PRIOR EXPOSURE HISTORY ADDED?
Submit your written request with an authorized signature to Customer Service Technical/Records by mail LANDAUER, ATTN: Customer Service Technical, 2 Science Road Glenwood, IL 60425 or email [email protected] to add prior exposure history
CAN THE SOCIAL SECURITY OR ID NUMBER AND BIRTH DATE BE REMOVED FROM REPORTS?
Yes. For privacy and/or posting needs, you can request that LANDAUER suppress on the second and remaining copies of a report the ID number and date of birth; or the name and date of birth; or the name.
WHAT DOES “ASSIGNED DOSE BASED ON EDE 1 CALCULATION” MEAN?
EDE 1 is a special dose calculation than can be applied to a participant who wears a collar and a waist dosimeter with a lead apron. Special calculations permit departure from LANDAUER’s standard dose calculation protocol to provide a more accurate estimation of radiation dose under special circumstances as determined by your Radiation Safety Officer. Special calculations can be applied to an individual, a series, or to an entire account. Special dose calculations available for radiation workers who wear lead aprons are:
EDE 1: (Two dosimeters). One dosimeter is worn at the waist level under a lead apron and one dosimeter is worn at the collar level outside the lead apron. 1.5 (Waist DDE) + 0.04 (Collar DDE) = Assigned Deep Dose Equivalent
EDE 2: (One dosimeter). One dosimeter is worn outside the lead apron. 0.30 (Collar DDE) = Assigned Deep Dose Equivalent
The “Assigned” line with the EDE 1 and EDE 2 calculation results follows all of the original whole body dosimeter doses.
It is the responsibility of your organization’s radiation safety officials to determine the applicability of using a special calculation for estimation of dose to an employee.
CAN LIFETIME HISTORY FROM A PAST EMPLOYER BE INCLUDED IN MY REPORT?
LANDAUER will accept separate lifetime histories from past employers or other dosimetry services and incorporate the totals into LANDAUER’s lifetime accumulated total dose. History totals from separate employers are maintained and are available on our Equivalent Form 4 annual service that separates exposure history by employer. Have your employer email Customer Service Technical at [email protected] to get your lifetime history added.
Other Technical Information
WHAT ARE THE ANNUAL RADIATION EXPOSURE LIMITS?
Annual Radiation Exposure Limits:
- Whole body, blood forming organs, gonads: 5,000mrem/year
- Lens of eye: 15,000 mrem/year
- Extremities and skin: 50,000 mrem/year
- Fetal: 500 mrem/gestation period
- General Public: 100 mrem/year
Based on USNRC Regulations, Title 10, Part 20, Code of Federal Regulations and adopted by many states. Certain states and other regulatory agencies may adhere to different limits.
What is ALARA?
ALARA is an acronym for "as low as is reasonably achievable." Used and defined by the NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission) and many other licensing agencies, an ALARA program’s objective is to reduce occupational exposures and doses to members of the public as far below the specified limits as is reasonably achievable by means of good radiation safety planning and practice.
The rules and regulations of the NRC require each licensee to “develop, document, and implement a radiation protection program…” And, each licensee “shall use, to the extent practical, procedures and engineering controls based upon sound radiation protection principles to achieve occupational doses and doses to members of the public that are as low as is reasonably achievable (ALARA).” (Code of Federal Regulations, Title 10, Chapter 20.1101, “Radiation Protection Programs.”)
In Title 10, Chapter 20.1003, “Definitions,” the NRC’s definition is:
“ALARA (acronym for "as low as is reasonably achievable") means making every reasonable effort to maintain exposures to radiation as far below the dose limits in this part as is practical consistent with the purpose for which the licensed activity is undertaken, taking into account the state of technology, the economics of improvements in relation to state of technology, the economics of improvements in relation to benefits to the public health and safety, and other societal and socioeconomic considerations, and in relation to utilization of nuclear energy and licensed materials in the public interest.“
WHAT IS ANSI/HPS N13.11?
ANSI/HPS N13.11 is the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program’s (NVLAP) proficiency testing standard for personnel dosimetry performance. The first version of the standard was written in 1983 through a joint-agency agreement between the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The 1983 version established the accreditation criteria and processes to facilitate the NRC’s requirement that all dosimeters used by licensees must be processed and evaluated by an accredited laboratory (later codified in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations as 10 CFR 20.1501). The standard served as the foundation for NVLAP’s Ionizing Radiation Dosimetry proficiency-testing program and was later modified by the Department of Energy for DOELAP.
ANSI/HPS N13.11 recently underwent some significant changes. The 2001 and 2009 revised standards are a result of the continuing effort by the Health Physics Society (HPS) and the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) to construct a standard that is acceptable to both the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) and the Department of Energy Laboratory Accreditation Program (DOELAP).
A copy of ANSI/HPS N13.11-2009 is available for a fee from the Health Physics Society at hps.org.
Further information about NIST’s NVLAP program can be found at their website nist.gov.
