Mailed TL dosimeters for monitoring the output from diagnostic x-ray equipment.

Mailing thermoluminescent (TL) dosimeters for exposure to users of diagnostic x-ray equipment is a simple and inexpensive way of monitoring output from x-ray units. The readings given by TL dosimeters were originally compared with ionization chamber measurements and shown to give reliable and compatible results. Mailed TL dosimeters alone were later used in a university hospital to check the functioning of exposure timers in thorax and Bucky stands. A thorough survey of the outputs from all x-ray units in use throughout the country can be performed within a few months using this technique.