DTRA / NTPR - Standard Operating Procedures Manual 

RA01 – Radiation Dose Assessment for Cases Requiring Detailed Analysis 

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Date: April 30, 2021 

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DEFENSE THREAT REDUCTION AGENCY

NUCLEAR TEST PERSONNEL REVIEW PROGRAM

RADIATION DOSE ASSESSMENT

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

RA01 – Radiation Dose Assessment for Cases 

Requiring Detailed Analysis

Revision 2.0 

Cleared for Release 

Key to SOP ID Codes 

RA (Radiation Assessment - SOP) 

ED (External Dose - Standard Methods) 

ID (Internal Dose - Standard Methods) 

UA (Uncertainty Analysis - Standard Methods)
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Date: April 30, 2021

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Revision Control

Revision Revision Description Revision Date Authorization 

Official

1.0 Original 10/31/2007 Paul K. Blake

1.1 - Section 5: Added references to SOP RA04 for preparing RDA 

reports and calculation worksheets. References to Attachments 

2 and 3 are revised to refer to SOP RA04.

- Section 5.6: Definition of surrogate organ added.

- Attachment 1: ‘Target Organ Surrogate List’ revised and 

moved to SM ID01. 

- Attachment 2: ‘RDA Quality Assurance Checklist’ is removed 

as it is included by reference as part of RA05.

- Attachment 3: ‘Model RDA Report’ is removed as a 

standardized RDA Report template is included in SOP RA04. 

- All references to eye doses are removed.

- Minor editorial changes. 

03/31/2008 Paul K. Blake

1.2 - Section 7 – revised to include RDA Report Decision Summary 

Sheet

- Minor editorial changes.

10/31/2008 Paul K. Blake

1.3 - Changed name to RA01

- Added Section 5.4 on determining the uncertainty method; 

revised references to RAs after deletion of RA01; revised 

language to address probabilistic uncertainty analyses.

- Minor editorial changes

01/31/2010 Paul K. Blake

2.0 - Updated Sections 3 and 4 to reflect changes in RDA 

processes. 

- Added reference in Section 5.6 to SOP RA02 for diseased 

organs and tissues cross-referenced to the NTPR Standard 

Organs and the NIOSH-IREP cancer risk models.

- Added information on skin dose contributed from internally 

deposited radionuclides in Section 5.7.

- Revised references to the NTPR Policy and Guidance Manual 

(DTRA, 2007) to citing specific SOPs and SMs.

- Updated NTPR Program SOPs.

- Minor editorial changes.

04/30/2021 James D. Franks
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Table of Contents

Table of Contents............................................................................................................................ 3

1. Purpose/Summary............................................................................................................... 4

2. Scope................................................................................................................................... 4

3. Responsibilities................................................................................................................... 5

4. Definitions........................................................................................................................... 5

5. Procedure: Detailed Activity/Task Description ................................................................. 5

5.1 Review Case Information ....................................................................................... 6

5.2 Collect Additional Information............................................................................... 6

5.3 Identify Exposure Scenario and Define Exposure Pathways.................................. 6

5.4 Determine Uncertainty............................................................................................ 6

5.5 Assess External Whole Body Dose......................................................................... 7

5.5.1 Dose Assessment Hierarchy ....................................................................... 7

5.5.2 Conduct Film Badge Dosimetry Analysis .................................................. 8

5.5.3 Reconstruct Additional External Whole Body Doses................................. 8

5.5.4 Calculate Total External Doses and Upper-Bound Doses........................ 10

5.6 Assess Dose from Intakes of Radioactive Materials............................................. 10

5.7 Assess Dose to the Skin ........................................................................................ 10

5.8 Prepare Draft RDA Report.................................................................................... 11

5.9 Perform Reviews................................................................................................... 11

5.10 Prepare RDA Report............................................................................................. 12

5.11 Transmit RDA Report........................................................................................... 12

5.12 Review and Respond to External Review Comments .......................................... 12

5.13 Transmit Final Draft RDA Report ........................................................................ 13

6. Data and Records Management ........................................................................................ 13

7. Quality Control and Quality Assurance............................................................................ 14

7.1 Internal and External Reviews.............................................................................. 14

7.2 Decision Summary Sheets .................................................................................... 14

8. Referenced SOPs and Standard Methods from this Manual............................................. 14

9. References......................................................................................................................... 15
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Date: April 30, 2021

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Standard Operating Procedure

RA01 – Radiation Dose Assessment for Cases Requiring Detailed Analysis

1. Purpose/Summary

This standard operating procedure (SOP) provides the detailed activities and tasks 

required to perform the analysis of radiation dose and prepare a Radiation Dose 

Assessment (RDA) Report for Nuclear Test Personnel Review (NTPR) Program 

participants (generally veterans) whose cases require a full RDA. This SOP addresses the 

evaluation of radiation doses to the whole body, and skin from external exposure, and to 

internal organs from the intake of radioactive materials by inhalation and ingestion. It 

provides procedures for determining whether uncertainties are evaluated using fixed 

factors or by preparing a complete, probabilistic analysis of dose distributions. The 

procedure requires the adaptation of model dose assessment tools or development of new 

modules to calculate the radiation doses, along with associated uncertainties, for a range 

of activities performed by a participant in varied radiation environments. It requires the 

preparation of calculation worksheets tailored to the specific participant activities and 

radiation environments, organs considered, and organ location of the case. 

This SOP is written for qualified radiation dose analysts who perform the tasks using the 

Standard Methods (SM) for Radiation Dose Assessment provided in Part II of this 

manual. Tasks include the modification or development of specific calculation tools, and 

preparation of tailored RDA Reports. The SOP also outlines quality assurance activities 

performed by technical and management personnel to assure conformance with 

procedures and methods, as well as established NTPR policies and guidelines.

2. Scope

This SOP applies to participant cases that cannot be performed using expedited 

processing methods (SOP RA02). It employs approved standard methods and 

documented data that address all aspects of radiation dose calculations to satisfy the 

requirements of Title 32, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 218 “Guidance for the 

Determination and Reporting of Nuclear Radiation Dose for DoD Participants in the 

Atmospheric Nuclear Test Program” (DoD, 2020). Radiation dose assessments provide 

full consideration of benefit of the doubt throughout the dose preparation process as 

implemented in response to DTRA guidance for assuring consistency with Department of 

Veterans Affairs (VA) (38CFR3.102) requirements (VA, 2020), DTRA’s NTPR Program 

Quality Assurance SOP (DTRA, 2021), and DTRA’s NTPR Program Support and 

Management SOP (DTRA, 2020a).
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3. Responsibilities 

A qualified radiation dose assessment analyst, or RDA Analyst, performs the majority of 

tasks required for analyzing the radiation exposure activities, calculating radiation doses, 

and preparing the RDA Report. Other RDA analyst conduct technical reviews for quality 

control to assure all exposure scenarios are taken into account and that the dose 

estimation methods are correctly applied. Another review is performed by a certified 

health physicist (CHP) to ensure the RDA is conducted according to best health physics 

practices and the results are sound. Management personnel perform a final review for 

quality assurance to verify that the RDA is performed in accordance with NTPR SOPs 

and SMs. Administrative staff assists with information retrieval, case management, and 

records management. 

4. Definitions

CHP Certified Health Physicist.

Enterprise Manager NTPR/DTRA Program Manager. The NTPR Enterprise includes 

the DTRA NTPR Program Office and its contractors and 

subcontractors.

NuTRIS Nuclear Test Research Information System is a veteran cohort 

search tool and database.

SPARE A document with detailed information on an NTPR participant’s 

activity scenario during involvement in the U.S. atmospheric 

nuclear testing program or occupation of Japan.

5. Procedure: Detailed Activity/Task Description

Radiation dose assessment starts with a review of the veteran’s returned Scenario of 

Participation and Radiation Exposure (SPARE), evaluates any comments for possible 

changes to the scenario, determines the approach to dose uncertainty; and proceeds with 

dose calculations and preparation of the RDA Report. Doses are based on either recorded 

film-badge dosimetry or calculated using dose reconstructions methods. Dose estimates 

determined by dose reconstruction are performed using standardized analytical methods 

with documented assumptions, radiation intensities, and other calculation parameters.

As stated above, radiation dose assessments provide full consideration of benefit of the 

doubt throughout the dose estimating process as implemented in response to DTRA 

guidance for assuring consistency with VA (38CFR3.102) requirements (VA, 2020). To 

do so, radiation dose analysts consider veteran statements and use them unless the 

statements involve activities that are not plausible or refuted by documented records. 

High-sided parameter values and assumptions that maximize the veteran’s dose are 

employed in calculations of dose and uncertainty using fixed factors. For probabilistic 

analyses, credible estimates of parameter distributions are used. Following are the steps 
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used to carry out a dose assessment and prepare an RDA Report and calculation 

worksheets according to the standardized templates provided in SOP RA03.

5.1 Review Case Information

The analyst reviews the returned SPARE for activities contained in the prepared 

document or added as comments by the veteran. The analyst reviews other case materials, 

project reports, previous radiation dose assessment reports, if available, and any other 

available documentation and determines:

 Whether all required information is available to carry out the dose assessment

 Whether any conflicts or inconsistencies continue to exist between the documented 

record and the veteran’s statements

 Whether the scenario is amenable to use of fixed uncertainty factors or a complete 

probabilistic analysis is indicated. See Section 5.4 below for specifics.

5.2 Collect Additional Information

If additional information is needed to complete the case or resolve inconsistencies, the 

analyst:

 Searches available document repositories for the needed information including the 

Nuclear Test Research Information System (NuTRIS) database

 Requests other references from the NTPR Program library

 Identifies additional queries required of the veteran to be obtained through the 

program’s veteran assistance unit (DTRA, 2020b).

5.3 Identify Exposure Scenario and Define Exposure Pathways

Radiation exposures are estimated based on scenarios that define the participant’s 

activities in radiation environments applicable to the test operation and shot or shots in 

which the veteran participated. Radiation exposures are defined in terms of pathways of 

exposure that involve a source of radiation, a mechanism (pathway) for the radiation to 

reach the exposed individual, and, for internal dose assessment, a route of entry to the 

body. Parameters required to calculate the dose are obtained from records if available or 

are estimated based on reasonable assumptions using the principle of high-sidedness in 

cases using fixed uncertainty factors or credible distributions for cases using full 

probabilistic analysis.

5.4 Determine Uncertainty

Uncertainty in reconstructed doses is determined using either fixed uncertainty factors 

provided in Standard Method (SM) UA01 of this manual, or by using analyses based on a 
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probabilistic approach and Monte Carlo simulations (Weitz et al., 2009). Selection of the 

method is based on an evaluation, using dose reconstruction experience, of which method 

is expected to produce a credible upper-bound dose in the most expeditious manner. A 

credible upper-bound dose is one that is at least greater than the dose that 95 percent of 

the exposed population would have received. If both methods are expected to produce a 

credible upper-bound dose, then the fixed uncertainty factors method is preferred because 

it gets dose information to the VA faster. Conversely, for scenarios where use of fixed 

uncertainty factors is not expected to produce upper-bound doses that are credible, then 

the full probabilistic analysis method is selected.

When performing a radiation dose assessment, the analyst reviews the scenario, and 

radiation environment characteristics to assess the potential for conditions that may not 

result in a credible upper bound using the fixed uncertainty factors. Such scenarios may 

involve more complex exposure situations with many uncertain variables or may have 

historically shown that use of fixed uncertainty factors do not produce credible upper 

bounds. The analyst may consult with other RDA analysts in reaching a conclusion.

The analyst recommends the uncertainty analysis method to the dose reconstruction 

contractor’s NTPR manager, who presents the recommendations to the DTRA program 

manager for concurrence. In some case, the DTRA NTPR program manager may direct 

that the probabilistic analysis method be used without consideration of the use of fixed 

uncertainty factors.

5.5 Assess External Whole Body Dose

External whole body dose represents the most common type of radiation exposure 

because the activities and location of atomic veterans with respect to detonations and 

resulting contamination made external exposure the most common source of exposure. 

Records of radiation intensity (exposure rate) measurements and personnel dosimetry are 

available and reliable for many of the atmospheric test operations.

5.5.1 Dose Assessment Hierarchy

Dose reconstruction regulations for the NTPR Program participants specify that radiation 

doses should be determined using the following hierarchy of methods:

 Dosimetry results for the individual, normally from film badge records

 Dosimetry results for members of a cohort such as a group of individuals who 

performed the same activities as the veteran of interest and who had potential for 

radiation exposure

 Reconstructed doses obtained using sound scientific methods and a knowledge of the 

activities and radiation environments to which the individual was exposed when 

individual and cohort dosimetry are unavailable.
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5.5.2 Conduct Film Badge Dosimetry Analysis

If either individual or cohort film dosimetry records are available, the analyst uses 

SM ED01 to evaluate their reliability and to determine the dose and uncertainty for the 

time periods covered by the dosimetry and for the radiation types sensed by the 

dosimeter.

For time periods not covered by film badges or for which dosimetry records are deemed 

unreliable, radiation doses are estimated using dose reconstruction techniques as 

described in the following section. 

5.5.3 Reconstruct Additional External Whole Body Doses

The analyst determines time periods during which the individual was not monitored by 

reliable personnel or cohort dosimetry. Radiation doses for these periods are assessed 

using reconstruction techniques described in this section. 

5.5.3.1 Characterize Radiation Environment

Radiation dose assessments require that the initial radiation and residual radiation 

environments be properly defined and characterized. These types of radiation are 

described as follows:

 For the purposes of dose assessment, initial radiation is defined as gamma and 

neutron radiation emitted within one minute after a nuclear detonation.

 Residual radiation originates from radioactive clouds and fallout generated by a 

nuclear detonation, radiation from previously detonated shots, induced radiation from 

initial neutrons, and radioactive debris deposited in water during oceanic tests. 

Because residual radiation decays, the radiation environment is defined by the 

radiation intensity (exposure rate) as a function of type and time.

5.5.3.2 Identify Significant Exposure Activities

Based on the review of the returned SPARE combined with information in operational 

records, the analyst develops the veteran’s detailed activities in space and time and 

considers the following sources of external exposure:

 Initial neutron

 Initial gamma

 Residual gamma.
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5.5.3.3 Develop Assumptions and Input Parameters

The scenario description in the RDA Report includes statements of all pertinent 

assumptions required to complete the dose assessment. When details of the components 

cannot be determined from the SPARE and other documented records, activities must be 

assumed. Examples of typical assumptions that need to be made or require additional 

veteran’s input include:

 Location of meals and whether meals were eaten outdoors

 The location of individuals within a unit’s movement during field maneuvers

 Specific jobs or assignments given to the veteran that were not given to the rest of his 

unit.

5.5.3.4 Estimate Doses by Reconstruction

Radiation dose analysts use SM ED02 to reconstruct doses and uncertainties from 

external radiations, both initial and residual. 

Initial radiation doses (neutron and gamma) principally depend on participant positioning 

at the time of a nuclear detonation. The computer code ATR6 is used to estimate the 

surface radiation field environment from the radiation source term (Kaul et al., 1992). If 

troops are located in trenches, calculation tools are used to assess the environment in the 

trenches and to estimate the initial radiation doses. Thus, the initial gamma and neutron 

doses are estimated using approved computer codes such as ATR6 based on distance and 

posture of the troops during exposure to initial radiation. 

Residual radiation results in gamma doses to the whole body including affected skin and 

internal organs. Residual radiation doses are principally dependent on the movement of 

troops within fallout or neutron activation fields in the shot areas or from the deposition 

of fallout on islands, ships, and lagoon waters. The movement of troops in the field 

commonly avoided high intensity radiation fields based on real-time radiation 

monitoring. The dose associated with every troop movement or activity is estimated and 

summed to obtain a total dose. The time-dependent radiation intensity (exposure rate) for 

a given location, such as residence island or ship is usually characterized by a single 

mean value (typical peak intensity) for measurements taken at the indicated elapsed time 

in hours after the detonation (H+h) (with a measured or estimated error). The mean 

intensity is then decay corrected to provide intensity as a function of time, as described in 

Section 5.2.1 of SM ED02. If measured intensities are not available for a particular 

location, they may be estimated using measured intensities taken on nearby ships or land 

areas (See SM ED02).
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5.5.4 Calculate Total External Doses and Upper-Bound Doses

Once doses from film badges and for various exposure scenarios are determined, the 

analyst calculates the total external doses from neutron and gamma radiation sources. The 

analyst then estimates the upper-bound doses using SM UA01.

5.6 Assess Dose from Intakes of Radioactive Materials

For internally deposited radioactive materials, the analyst estimates dose from internal 

exposure pathways. The following pathways are considered:

 Inhalation of descending fallout

 Inhalation of suspended or resuspended radionuclides

 Inhalation of radionuclides in an atmospheric cloud

 Ingestion of radionuclides

 Absorption of radionuclides through skin or open wounds.

The analyst reviews the request for a dose assessment and determines the internal organs

of interest. If dose conversion factors are not available for an organ of interest, a 

surrogate organ is substituted in the dose assessment. A surrogate organ is similar to the 

organ of interest with respect to its biokinetic modeling (see SM ID01 for a list of 

surrogate organs). In addition, Table Att 2-1 of SOP RA02 lists diseased organs and 

tissues cross-referenced to the NTPR Standard Organs used in FIIDOS internal dose 

calculations (see SM ID01) and the cancer risk models of NIOSH-IREP (NIOSH, 2002).

Using SM ID01, the analyst calculates committed equivalent dose for each internal organ 

or surrogate separately for alpha particles, and for beta particles plus gamma rays for 

each pathway. The analyst then estimates each organ’s total doses for all pathways and 

determines upper-bound doses using the methods described in SM UA01. 

5.7 Assess Dose to the Skin

Based on the review of the returned SPARE combined with information in the 

operational records, the analyst develops the participant’s detailed activities in space and 

time and considers the following sources of external exposure to the skin:

 Residual beta and gamma activity on contaminated surfaces

 Descending and resuspended radioactive materials deposited on the skin.

Skin doses are composed of gamma and beta doses. Gamma doses are those estimated for 

the whole body as described above. Beta doses to the skin are calculated based on the 

following factors:
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 Characterization of the external gamma environment and whole body gamma dose.

 Beta-to-gamma dose ratios, which are time-dependent

 Effect(s) of shielding from beta particle radiation

 Anatomical location(s) where a “beta burn” or skin cancer has been diagnosed by a 

physician

 Participant postures in a radiation environment, e.g., standing, sitting, working off a 

high platform, etc.

 Source geometry and scale

 Contribution to dermal contamination by direct contact to the skin from deposition of 

descending fallout or resuspended materials.

Once all assumptions and parameters are gathered from available documentation and the 

returned SPARE, including veteran’s input and comments, the analyst calculates the beta 

doses and the total beta-plus-gamma doses from each exposure type and for each affected

skin location. The analyst uses SM ED03 to calculate the dose for direct exposure to 

surface-deposited radioactivity and SM ED04 for dose resulting from contaminants 

deposited on the skin.

Once radiation doses are estimated for each skin exposure pathway, the analyst calculates 

the combined total dose for each identified skin location. The analyst then estimates the 

upper-bound doses using SM UA01.

Notice that internal dose from contaminants that were inhaled or ingested by the veteran 

during his participation in atmospheric nuclear weapon testing contributed less than one 

percent to his total skin dose (Raine et al., 2007).

5.8 Prepare Draft RDA Report

Once all dose calculations are completed using worksheets prepared according to 

SOP RA03, the analyst drafts an RDA Report that contains all dose results and pertinent 

scenario information and assumptions. A detailed description of how to prepare RDA 

Reports and a standardized template is provided in SOP RA03.

5.9 Perform Reviews

The analyst submits the draft RDA Report and dose calculations to another qualified 

radiation dose analyst for technical review as described in SOP RA04.

The analyst revises the draft RDA Report and dose calculations to address comments 

from the technical review, and then submits the revised draft RDA Report and dose 

calculations for review by a Certified Health Physicist (CHP) as described in SOP RA04.
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The analyst revises the draft RDA Report and dose calculations to address comments 

from the review by a CHP, and then submits the revised draft RDA Report and 

calculations for Management Review as described in SOP RA04.

Each reviewer documents comments and suggested revisions on the draft documents, and 

records completion of the review on a QA checklist. Reviewed copies are initialed and 

dated. The responsible analyst retains the reviewed copies at each level as provided in 

SOP RA04.

5.10 Prepare RDA Report

The analyst revises the draft RDA Report and dose calculations to address comments 

from the Management Review, prepares a final RDA Report, and assembles all relevant 

information for transmittal to the Enterprise Manager.

5.11 Transmit RDA Report

Once the final RDA Report is completed, Administrative staff personnel perform the 

following tasks in accordance with NTPR Program Support and Management SOP 

DTRA (2020a) and NTPR Program Quality Assurance SOP DTRA (2021):

 Prepare an official electronic version (portable document format (pdf) or an approved 

equivalent format) of the final RDA Report and supporting dose calculation 

worksheet(s), and make hardcopy records for filing

 Place electronic documents into the temporary archive pending completion of 

external reviews

 Transmit documents to the Enterprise Manager. Documents are transmitted 

electronically but can be transmitted in hardcopy if needed.

5.12 Review and Respond to External Review Comments

If the final RDA Report is returned from external QA review with comments, complete 

the remaining steps described in this section. Note that external QA review may approve 

the RDA Report for submission to DTRA. In such a case, no further actions are required.

External QA review comments on final RDA Reports returned to the dose reconstruction 

team are categorized as those requiring: a) editorial changes only and forwarding to 

DTRA, b) resolution of administrative issues such as dates or units and return for review, 

or c) revision of the RDA Report per comments and resubmission for review. The 

following actions are taken based on the type of the comments received:

a) Editorial Changes only

 The case is returned to the analyst who reviews the suggested editorial changes, 

determines possible impacts on the overall report, and prepares a revised final RDA 

Report.
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 The analyst submits the revised final RDA Report for Management Review.

 If Management Review provides comments, the analyst resolves the comments and 

submits the final RDA Report for transmittal to the Enterprise Manager.

b) Resolution of Administrative Issues

 The case is returned to the analyst who reviews the administrative issues, develops 

resolutions, determines possible impacts on the overall report, and prepares a revised 

RDA Report.

 The analyst submits the final RDA Report for Management Review.

 If Management Review provides comments, the analyst resolves the comments and 

submits the final RDA Report for transmittal to the Enterprise Manager.

c) Revision of the RDA Report per Comments

 The case is returned to the analyst who reviews the suggested changes, determines 

possible impacts on the overall report, and prepares a revised RDA Report.

 The analyst submits the revised RDA Report for Management Review. If substantial 

revisions in the technical content of the dose calculations are required, management 

may request a technical review according to SOP RA04.

 If Management Review provides comments, the analyst resolves the comments and 

submits the final RDA Report for transmittal to the Enterprise Manager.

5.13 Transmit Final Draft RDA Report

Once the final RDA Report is completed, administrative staff personnel perform the 

following tasks:

 Prepare an official electronic version (portable document format (pdf) or equivalent 

approved format) of the RDA Report and supporting dose calculation worksheet(s), if 

any were required during the revision process. 

 Complete transmittal of documents to the Enterprise Manager. Documents can be 

transmitted in hardcopy if needed.

 Make hardcopy records for filing. File hardcopies in the dose reconstruction 

contractor’s library.

6. Data and Records Management 

This SOP is used to produce RDA Reports and dose calculation worksheets in electronic 

form, although paper documents may be used in special circumstances. In addition, other 

case documents, including the SPARE, data tables, supporting reports, etc., may be used. 
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Such documents are assembled into hardcopy case files stored by the dose reconstruction 

team.

Official copies of the final RDA Report, dose calculations, and supporting information 

are maintained by the Enterprise Manager.

7. Quality Control and Quality Assurance

7.1 Internal and External Reviews

Quality control checks are built into the calculation tools used in estimating the radiation 

doses. Additional reviews include those conducted by peer analysts from the dose 

reconstruction team as described in SOP RA04. Consistency and conformance with 

policies and guidelines are further assured through management reviews. 

Independent external reviews are performed according to the NTPR Program Quality 

Assurance SOP (DTRA, 2021) and as described in Section 5. The RDA Reports and 

calculations are revised in response to significant comments from the external review as 

described in section 5.12. For the purpose of this procedure, external reviews are 

conducted by qualified analysts who are not part of the dose reconstruction team. 

Significant comments are those that impact major elements of information provided in 

the RDA Report, and those that materially affect the dose calculation results in a manner 

that is not already built into the uncertainty calculations. 

7.2 Decision Summary Sheets

A Decision Summary Sheet (DSS) system has been implemented and is described in the 

NTPR Program Quality Assurance SOP (DTRA, 2021). This system documents the 

critical decisions made for each case to maintain consistency, reproducibility, and 

comprehensibility of the dose assessment processes. As part of this process, the analyst 

prepares an RDA Report DSS capturing all important decisions along with the rationale

used and assumptions and references needed to reach each decision. The RDA DSS 

documents dose assessment decisions for a specific case and permits reviewers and 

auditors to easily evaluate the analyst’s rationale and eventually reproduce doses if 

needed. A standard template of the RDA Report DSS is included in SOP RA03.

8. Referenced SOPs and Standard Methods from this Manual

(1) SOP RA02 - Expedited Processing of Radiation Dose Assessments for Atmospheric 

Nuclear Weapons Testing Veterans

(2) SOP RA03 - Standardized Radiation Dose Assessment Reports and Dose Calculation 

Worksheets

(3) SOP RA04 - Internal RDA Reviews

(4) SM ED01 - Film Badge Dose Assessment
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(5) SM ED02 - Whole Body External Dose Assessment

(6) SM ED03 - Skin Dose from External Sources

(7) SM ED04 - Skin Dose from Dermal Contamination

(8) SM ID01 - Doses to Organs from Intake of Radioactive Materials

(9) SM UA01 - Dose Uncertainty and Upper-Bound Dose Determinations

9. References

DoD (Department of Defense), 2020. “Guidance for the Determination and Reporting of Nuclear 

Radiation Dose for DoD Participants in the Atmospheric Nuclear Test Program (1945-

1962).” Title 32, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 218. Washington, DC. July 1.

DTRA (Defense Threat Reduction Agency), 2020a. DTRA NTPR Program Support and 

Management SOP (Rev. 6). Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Fort Belvoir, VA. 

October 30.

DTRA (Defense Threat Reduction Agency), 2020b. DTRA NTPR Program Veteran Assistance 

SOP (Rev. 5). Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Fort Belvoir, VA. November 30.

DTRA (Defense Threat Reduction Agency), 2021. DTRA NTPR Program Quality Assurance 

SOP (Rev. 5). Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Fort Belvoir, VA. February 26.

Kaul, D.C., McGuffin, S., and Dolatshahi, F., 1992. User’s Manual, Personal Computer (PC) 

Edition, Version 6 of ATR (ATR6). DNA-TR-91-163, Defense Nuclear Agency, 

Washington, DC.

NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health), 2002. NIOSH- Interactive 

RadioEpidemiological Program (NIOSH-IREP) Technical Documentation, Final Report.

June 18.

Raine, D.A. III, Egbert, S.D., Stiver, J.H., and Case, D.R., 2007. FIIDOS - A Computer Code for 

the Computation of Fallout Inhalation and Ingestion Dose to Organs, Computer User’s 

Guide (Revision 4). DTRA-TR-07-11, Science Applications International Corporation, 

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