Editing Dosimeter (section)

==Dosimetry dose quantities==
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[[File:Dose quantities and units.png|thumb|400px|External radiation dose quantities used in radiological protection, based on International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements report 57]]
The operational quantity for personal dosimetry is the personal dose equivalent, which is defined by the [[International Commission on Radiological Protection]] as the dose equivalent in soft tissue at an appropriate depth, below a specified point on the human body. The specified point is usually given by the position where the individual’s dosimeter is worn.<ref>International Commission on Radiological Protection pub 103 glossary.</ref>

===Instrument and dosimeter response===
This is an actual reading obtained from such as an ambient dose [[gamma ray|gamma]] monitor, or a personal dosimeter. The dosimeter is calibrated in a known radiation field to ensure display of accurate operational quantities and allow a relationship to known health effect. The personal dose equivalent is used to assess dose uptake, and allow regulatory limits to be met. It is the figure usually entered into the records of external dose for occupational radiation workers.

The dosimeter plays an important role within the international [[History of Radiation Protection|radiation protection]] system developed by the International Commission on Radiological Protection and the [[International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements]]. This is shown in the accompanying diagram.

====Dosimeter calibration====
The "slab" [[Computational human phantom|phantom]] is used to represent the human torso for calibration of whole body dosimeters. This replicates the radiation scattering and absorption effects of the human torso. The [[International Atomic Energy Agency]] states "The slab phantom is 300 mm × 300 mm × 150 mm depth to represent the human torso".<ref>International Atomic Energy Agency safety report 16</ref>