Who needs a badge?
As regulations and requirements can differ state to state, the best source is your state's radiation protection agency. For a list of state agency web sites follow this link.
But providing your workers with individual personal radiation dosimeters is about more than meeting the regulations. It gives both worker and employer peace of mind. Knowing that the radiation exposure is constantly being monitored with a fully accredited dosimeter is a great anxiety reducer. No need to assume things are working as designed, you have the numbers to demonstrate it. Top
What kind of dosimeters do you use?
We currently contract with processors that use the Panasonic UD-802 dosimeter (for photons and beta radiation and Cr-39 for neutron monitoring). This dosimeter has been the dosimeter of choice in the critical nuclear power environment since the 1980's and is a well-known and very capable dosimeter. With four individual detectors and filters, the badge design allows excellent photon discrimination. The use of the relatively tissue-equivalent lithium borate phosphor, means that the detectors require small correction factors, resulting in more precise, less error prone results than some other dosimeters. Top 
What kind of extremity (ring) dosimeters do you use?
We use finger ring dosimeters comprising a single element dosimeter contained in a waterproof, soft comfortable plastic (PVC) pouch on an adjustable plastic strap, adjustable from size 6 to 14. The finger ring is recommended for clients whose extremities are exposed to X-ray beams or who directly handle radioactive materials. Appropriate for betas or photons above 70 keV. Top 
How do you know they work?
Our founder, Neill Stanford, has been working with this dosimeter since the mid-1980's. He has served as technical director of commercial processing operations using this dosimeter and still serves as a technical consultant for more than one of the large commercial processors in the USA. Other pages on this web site describe some of the consulting services currently provided to external dosimetry processors. Top
Do you have other dosimeters besides x-ray badges ?
We have dosimeters for all types of radiation fields and conditions. "X-ray badge" is a popular name for our standard whole body badge. It is in fact accredited for x-rays and gamma rays from 20 keV up to over 1,000 keV as well as soft and hard beta radiation. If required, we have a neutron detector that can be included. Top
How do I wear the badge?
The dosimeter badge comes with a plastic strap and a metal clip to attach to your clothing. The whole body dosimeter should be positioned between the collar and the waist. Best practices dictate that the badge be positioned at the point of highest dose. Top
What is the control badge for ?
The control badge is used to monitor non-occupational dose that the personal badge was exposed to. This includes background and other sources of radiation not a part of the work place radiation exposure. The control badge should be kept with the worker badge except when worn. It travels to and from the facility with the personnel badges and then is stored at the facility away from the source of radiation. When processed, the signal recorded from the control badge is subtracted from the personnel badges, so that the net occupational exposure can be accurately determined.
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What does it cost?
Prices range from about $70 for one badge (annual cost) to less than $50 for larger accounts. (Price list.)We are constantly monitoring the competition to ensure that you get the best price out there. To get a quotation for your facility, follow this link to our new QuickQuote form. Top
Why is your service so cheap?
The real question is why is the competition so expensive? Historically, the margin with smaller accounts has been huge. Stanford Dosimetry is taking advantage of this and offering our service at a reasonable price. Prices in the industry have been falling for smaller accounts. We happily take at least partial credit for this trend. Top
Who is the processor?
We use more than one processor. We select the processor based on value, quality and service. We get a discounted price as we provide the customer support. This allows us to offer the badges for the same price as if you went directly to the processor, but with a higher level of customer support. Top
How long does it take to get my badges?
Typically, badges are shipped one day after receipt of payment. If you pay by credit card, you can expect the badges in one week or less. If you pay by check, there is a delay while the check gets to us. Top
Is there a set up fee ?
Absolutely not. There are no hidden fees. None. The only way you will pay more is if you start losing our badges. Watch carefully and see if others start dropping the set up fee now. Top
Who is using your badge service?
We attract smaller accounts that have internet access. Mostly small offices providing diagnostic x-ray services. Veterinarians, chiropractors, dentists and small clinics make up the lion's share of our customer base.
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How do I get started?
The fastest way is to complete the on-line order form . Alternatively, you can print an order form and fill it in with a pen and fax it. Of course you can also just phone in the order. (Contact page) Top
How easy is it to make additions or deletions to the name list?
Very easy! Simply mark up your copy of the badge list (from the order form) and fax it in. You can also phone in the change. Top
When do I get my dose report?
The target is two weeks, but we have been meeting 7 days for a majority of our customers. Top
Are your badges accredited to the same degree as the big processors?
Absolutely. We use only fully accredited processors. You can verify this yourself by visiting the NVLAP (National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program) site and viewing the list of accredited dosimetry processors. Top
What is NVLAP accreditation?
"The NVLAP (National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program) is a voluntary. fee-supported program to accredit laboratories that are found competent to perform specific tests or calibrations..." (from the NVLAP site) All dosimetry used to demonstrate compliance with federal radiation protection limits must be accredited by the NVLAP in the appropriate radiation categories. The NVLAP includes requirements for organization and technical aspects of the dosimetry program that might impact on quality. It includes a blind test program that provides an unbiased third party measurement of the precision and accuracy of a dosimetry program. For a list of the various fields included in the NVLAP (from carpet testing to asbestos fiber analysis) and a list of accredited test laboratories, follow this link.
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Do you know where I can get information on the dose to patients for different medical procedures?
Yes. There is an excellent resource at the RADAR web site that allows calculation of the dose for various medical procedures. Top
Badge Service FAQ's