What is the function of a dosimeter in radiology?

The function of a dosimeter in radiology is to measure the amount of radiation exposure received by personnel. This is crucial in ensuring that healthcare workers are not exposed to harmful levels of radiation during imaging procedures. Dosimeters provide a way to monitor exposure over time, helping to maintain safety standards and comply with regulatory requirements.

By tracking this exposure, dosimeters play a vital role in occupational health, enabling radiology departments to implement protective measures and limit cumulative doses. This focus on personnel safety is what distinguishes dosimeters from the functions of enhancing image quality, calibrating equipment, or tracking patient history. Each of those tasks is handled by different tools or processes within a radiology department, emphasizing the specific role of the dosimeter in the safety and monitoring aspects of radiological practice.