IONIZING RADIATION DOSIMETRY PT APPLICATION (REV. 2023-12-20) PAGE 1 OF 9

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PARTICIPATING IN PROFICIENCY TESTING

FOR WHOLE BODY, ELECTRONIC and EXTREMITY DOSIMETERS

The NVLAP dosimetry proficiency testing is based on the American National Standard N13.11-

2009 for whole body dosimeters and ANSI N13.32-2008 for extremity dosimeters.

Processors applying for accreditation for the first time, those introducing new models, or those 

required to retest failures, may select a starting date of their choice according to the following 

testing schedule. 

1

st Quarter - Whole Body (Initial/Renewal/Retest) 

2

nd Quarter - Extremity/EPD (Initial/Renewal)

3

rd Quarter - Whole Body (Initial/Renewal/Retest)

4

th Quarter - Extremity/EPD (Retest ONLY)

At least two months prior to testing, send one copy of your application to participate in 

proficiency testing to NVLAP by mail, fax, or e-mail to: 

Jamie Eder

Battelle, for US DOE, Mail Stop P7-03, 902 Battelle Boulevard, WA 99354

fax 509-375-7340 

e-mail jamie.eder@pnnl.gov

AND send one copy by mail, fax, or e-mail to: 

Derek Ho

NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 2140, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-2140

fax 301-926-2884

e-mail derek.ho@nist.gov

In addition, include a copy with each group of dosimeters sent to the PTL.

After the initial accreditation, dosimetry processors must perform proficiency testing of the 

dosimeter(s) every two years. If you have questions about the process, please contact Derek

Ho at 301-975-4023 or derek.ho@nist.gov.
IONIZING RADIATION DOSIMETRY PT APPLICATION (REV. 2023-12-20) PAGE 2 OF 9

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PARTICIPATING IN PROFICIENCY TESTING

FOR WHOLE BODY, ELECTRONIC and EXTREMITY DOSIMETERS

______________________

(Date)

MEMORANDUM FOR Pacific Northwest National Laboratory 

902 Battelle Boulevard

Richland, WA 99354

From: Laboratory Name: 

Street Address: 

P. O. Box: 

City, State, Zip: 

NVLAP Lab Code: 

Authorized Representative 

(Signature)

Subject: Release of PNNL Proficiency Test Reports to the National Voluntary Laboratory

Accreditation Program (NVLAP)

Permission is given for the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to release our

laboratory's proficiency testing results to NVLAP for use in the evaluation process for

accreditation under the Ionizing Radiation Dosimetry Laboratory Accreditation Program.

Please return this signed form to:

Derek Ho

NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 2140, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-2140

fax 301-926-2884

e-mail derek.ho@nist.gov, and

Jamie Eder

Battelle, for US DOE, Mail Stop P7-03, 902 Battelle Boulevard, WA 99354

fax 509-375-7340 

e-mail jamie.eder@pnnl.gov.
IONIZING RADIATION DOSIMETRY PT APPLICATION (REV. 2023-12-20) PAGE 3 OF 9

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PARTICIPATING IN PROFICIENCY TESTING

FOR WHOLE BODY, ELECTRONIC and EXTREMITY DOSIMETERS

A complete test of a dosimeter model requires 15 dosimeters (21 dosimeters for category II) be 

irradiated over a 3-month period in each radiation category for which accreditation is desired. 

The dosimeters are evaluated in terms of shallow and deep dose equivalent, as applicable.

Dosimeters taken from the general population must be submitted to the proficiency testing 

laboratory (PTL) in three separate groups, one group sent each month over the 3-month period. 

Each group must include five dosimeters (seven dosimeters for category II) of each model/type 

for each radiation category selected. Each monthly shipment must also include at least one 

shipping control and at least six extra dosimeters of each model/type to be used as spares. 

The first month must also contain two extra dosimeters to be used for photographing 

(dosimeters may have to be destroyed).

Dosimeters are shimmed to be parallel to the front face of the phantom and delivered doses are 

normally reported to the front face of the phantom. If you want the doses reported to the active 

element of the dosimeter, the offset between the phantom face and the active element must be 

reported on the registration form to the PTL.

Each individual dosimeter sent for testing must use a barcode provided by the PTL. The 

supplied barcode must be placed in a visible location on the front of the dosimeter. This code 

will be used to document/report the performance of each dosimeter.

Place all identical dosimeters in a separate container (plastic bag) and mark each container with 

the designation used for that model/type dosimeter. (If testing to ANSI N13-11.2009, you may 

only specify dosimeters for categories I and V. If testing to ANSI N13-32.2008, you may specify 

dosimeters for all categories.)

The dosimeters must be shipped to allow sufficient time for them to arrive at the PTL at least 2 

(TWO) business days before the beginning of each month. Dosimeters received after the 

FIFTH day of a month may be returned unirradiated. Please ship the dosimeters in a sturdy 

container that will survive a round trip through a parcel shipping system. Send the dosimeters 

to:

Battelle for the US DOE 

Attention: Andy Maine, NVLAP 

No PO

790 6th Street 

Richland, WA 99354

Each month after the dosimeters have been irradiated, they will be returned to you via a private 

parcel system for evaluation. In addition, a reporting template specific to the dosimeters tested 

will be provided to you by the PTL for reporting. Please provide the PTL with a name and an 

adequate shipping address (no P.O. Box) for the return of the dosimeters and a valid email address for the reporting template on the attached registration documents.

All evaluated doses must be reported back to the PTL using the supplied reporting template 

within 15 business days of your receipt of the irradiated dosimeters. Failure to comply with 

this 15-day limit may result in all dosimeters in any affected test category being voided.
IONIZING RADIATION DOSIMETRY PT APPLICATION (REV. 2023-12-20) PAGE 4 OF 9

Along with submitting the completed reporting template, you will need to send two additional 

items to the PTL. First is a printed version of the completed reporting template that includes an 

approving signature; second is a copy of the original data provided by your reporting process. 

(This second item is required as a back-up in case the added step of transferring your results to 

the supplied template creates a problem. This information will only be used as a reference when 

necessary.) 

Send all hard copy testing results or any correspondence by U.S. Mail Service to:

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory 

Attention: Jamie Eder, NVLAP 

Mail Stop: P7-03 

902 Battelle Boulevard 

Richland, WA 99354. 

You may make corrections/changes to your reported data until the PTL receives the data for

the third month of testing.

The testing laboratory will send the results of your testing to the primary contact person within 

3 weeks of receiving all of the PT participants evaluated doses.

If satisfactory performance is not demonstrated for a dosimeter in any category attempted, you 

will be informed by the PTL along with the test results. You will also be notified as to what

retesting will be required.

If you need general assistance or assistance for special situations (such as damaged or lost 

badges or transit doses) or if you need to request that a badge(s) be voided, please call Jamie

Eder at 509-375-7361 or Roman (Kim) Piper at 509-375-7339. 

NEUTRON CALIBRATION IRRADIATIONS

Since it is proper to calibrate neutron dosimeters to the neutron spectrum in which they will be 

used, the testing laboratory will provide free calibration irradiations for neutron dosimeters. 

THESE CALIBRATION IRRADIATIONS WILL BE PROVIDED ONLY THE FIRST TIME A

DOSIMETER MODEL IS SUBMITTED FOR TESTING. This calibration should be adequate for 

all future use unless otherwise notified.

If you wish to obtain a calibration irradiation, include FIVE dosimeters (TEN dosimeters if testing 

252Cf Bare and 252Cf D2O moderated) in a separate container that is clearly marked "FOR 

NEUTRON CALIBRATION" with the first monthly shipment. These dosimeters will be returned 

to you along with a report showing the neutron dose delivered.
IONIZING RADIATION DOSIMETRY PT APPLICATION (REV. 2023-12-20) PAGE 5 OF 9

SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR

ELECTRONIC PERSONNEL DOSIMETERS (EPDs)

PROFICIENCY TESTING

Except as modified below, the overall procedure for proficiency testing EPDs will be the same as that 

specified in ANSI N13.11-2009. The performance criteria are the same as those required by ANSI 

N13.11-2009 for whole body personnel dosimeters. The registration form is the same as the one used for 

whole body personnel dosimeters.

1. The processor will submit five (5) EPD dosimeters (seven (7) if testing category II) each month,

randomly selected from the dosimeter population used by the laboratory for personnel monitoring,

for each category to be tested. The proficiency testing laboratory (PTL) will test the dosimeters to

the ANSI N13.11-2009 criteria.

2. The maximum dose will be limited to the range of the EPD for all categories including the accident

categories. The processor must specify the dose range and, if applicable, the dose-rate range of

the EPD. If the range is not specified, the PTL will assume that there is no limit.

3. The units must be capable of being reset by the PTL.

4. Each unit must have a barcode supplied by the PTL in a visible location on the front of the EPD.

5. THE EPDs SHALL BE SHIPPED WITH ALL ALARMS TURNED OFF.

6. Each model will be photographed to verify the dosimeter model proficiency tested is the one used

by the laboratory/processor. The dosimeters will not be taken apart unless otherwise specified by

NVLAP.

7. The units shall be shipped in such a state that they are clear of any recorded dose so the PTL

does not overload the memory or display.

8. If it is necessary to use a separate read-out unit with the EPDs, then this unit, and the appropriate

software and cables, must also be shipped to the PTL.

9. All units must be shipped with operating instructions; a complete manual should NOT be sent.

10. The laboratory must include six spares to be used in the case of obvious dosimeter malfunctions,

such as battery failures, display failures, erratic function, or if the dosimeter indicates no response

to the radiation exposure at all.

11. The participant should place a mark on the EPD if it is necessary to center the device at

somewhere other than the geometrical center of the case. Unless this marking is called out to the

PTL, the PTL will assume that the case should be centered over the reference point on the

phantom.

12. REPORTING EPD RESULTS: The processor will read the EPDs and report the readings for all

required and appropriate (e.g., some EPDs do not respond to shallow dose) test depths to the

PTL via the supplied reporting template. Some EPDs report response in units other than personal

dose equivalent (e.g., exposure (R or mR)). In such cases, the PTL will interpret the response as

personal dose equivalent.
DATE: DOSIMETER CODE: NVLAP LAB CODE:

IONIZING RADIATION DOSIMETRY PT APPLICATION (REV. 2023-12-20) PAGE 6 OF 9

PROFICIENCY TESTING REGISTRATION - WHOLE BODY DOSIMETERS

Instructions: Complete this sheet for each dosimeter model that will be submitted for testing. At least three months prior

to testing, send one copy to NVLAP by mail, fax, or e-mail to Derek Ho, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 2140, Gaithersburg, 

MD 20899-2140; fax 301-926-2884; e-mail derek.ho@nist.gov, AND send one copy by mail, fax, or e-mail to Jamie Eder, 

Battelle, for US DOE, Mail Stop P7-03, 902 Battelle Boulevard, WA 99354; fax 509-375-7340; e-mail 

jamie.eder@pnnl.gov. In addition, include a copy with each group of dosimeters sent to the PTL. 

(continued on next page)

Processor’s Company Name: 

Business Mailing Address: 

Primary Contact Person: 

Phone Number: E-Mail Address:

Secondary Contact Person: 

Phone Number: E-Mail Address:

CALENDAR YEAR FOR PROFICIENCY TESTING: CY _______________

Quarter Scheduled Testing Testing Status (circle one)

□ Jan-Feb-Mar Whole Body Initial Renewal Retest Scope Addition

□ Apr-May-June Extremity or EPD Initial Renewal Retest Scope Addition

□ Jul-Aug-Sep Whole Body Initial Renewal Retest Scope Addition

□ Oct-Nov-Dec Extremity or EPD Initial Renewal Retest Scope Addition

Fill out the following information for each dosimeter model being tested (use a copy of this form for additional 

dosimeters if necessary) and check the appropriate categories from the ANSI N13.11-2009 standard:

TYPE OF DOSIMETER:

Processor Dosimeter Description: ______________________________________________________________

Dosimeter Manufacturer: _____________________ Holder Manufacturer: _________________________ 

Dosimeter Model #: _________________________ Holder Model #: _____________________________

Reader Manufacturer: _____________________________

Reader Model: ___________________________________

Dosimeter Active Element Offset from Phantom (cm): _____________________________ * 

*Only include this offset if you want the doses reported to the active element of the dosimeter.

BETA/PHOTON NEUTRON

Film □ TLD Albedo □

TLD □ NTA Film □

Electronic □ Range (if applicable) _________ Polycarbonate □

Other □ Specify ____________________ Electronic □ Range (if applicable) _________

Other □ Specify ___________________
DATE: DOSIMETER CODE: NVLAP LAB CODE:

IONIZING RADIATION DOSIMETRY PT APPLICATION (REV. 2023-12-20) PAGE 7 OF 9

WHOLE BODY * 

CATEGORY I: ACCIDENTS, PHOTONS

IA General (IB + IC Random) □

IB 137Cs □

IC M150 □

CATEGORY II: PHOTONS/PHOTON MIXTURES

IIA General □

IIB High E □

IIC Medium E □

IID Plutonium specific □

CATEGORY III: BETAS

IIIA General (IIIB + IIIC Random) □

IIIB High E □

IIIC Low E □

IIID Uranium Slab □

CATEGORY IV: PHOTON/BETA MIXTURE

Select Photon Category

IIA □ IIB □ IIC □ IID □

Select Beta Category

IIIA □ IIIB □ IIIC □ IIID □

CATEGORY V: NEUTRON/ PHOTON MIXTURES

VA General (VB + VC, random) □

VB 252Cf + II Select Photon Category

IIA □ IIB □ IIC □ IID □

VC 252Cf(D2O) + II Select Photon Category

IIA □ IIB □ IIC □ IID □

* See ANSI N13.11-2009, Table 1a, p. 8.

DOSIMETER ELEMENT DESCRIPTION

ELEMENT 1 ELEMENT2 ELEMENT 3 ELEMENT 4 OTHER

Detector Type (i.e., TLD, OSL, TED) _________ _________ _________ _________ _________

Detector Composition (i.e., Al2O3, CR39) _________ _________ _________ _________ _________

Detector Thickness (mg/cm2) _________ _________ _________ _________ _________

ELEMENT FILTER DESCRIPTION

ELEMENT 1 ELEMENT2 ELEMENT 3 ELEMENT 4 OTHER

Filter Material _________ _________ _________ _________ _________

Filter Thickness (mg/cm2) _________ _________ _________ _________ _________

Other _________ _________ _________ _________ _________

HANGER FILTER DESCRIPTION

ELEMENT 1 ELEMENT2 ELEMENT 3 ELEMENT 4 OTHER

Filter Material _________ _________ _________ _________ _________

Filter Thickness (mg/cm2) _________ _________ _________ _________ _________

Other _________ _________ _________ _________ _________
DATE: DOSIMETER CODE: NVLAP LAB CODE:

IONIZING RADIATION DOSIMETRY PT APPLICATION (REV. 2023-12-20) PAGE 8 OF 9

PROFICIENCY TESTING REGISTRATION - EXTREMITY DOSIMETERS

Instructions: Complete this sheet for each dosimeter model that will be submitted for testing. At least three months prior

to testing, send one copy to NVLAP by mail, fax, or e-mail to Derek Ho, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 2140, Gaithersburg, 

MD 20899-2140; fax 301-926-2884; e-mail derek.ho@nist.gov, AND send one copy by mail, fax, or e-mail to Jamie Eder, 

Battelle, for US DOE, Mail Stop P7-03, 902 Battelle Boulevard, Richland, WA 99354; fax 509-375-7340; e-mail 

jamie.eder@pnnl.gov. In addition, include a copy with each group of dosimeters sent to the PTL. 

Processor’s Company Name: 

Business Mailing Address: 

Primary Contact Person: 

Phone Number: E-Mail Address:

Secondary Contact Person: 

Phone Number: E-Mail Address:

CALENDAR YEAR FOR PROFICIENCY TESTING: CY _______________

Quarter Scheduled Testing Testing Status (circle one)

□ Jan-Feb-Mar Whole Body Initial Renewal Retest Scope Addition

□ Apr-May-June Extremity or EPD Initial Renewal Retest Scope Addition

□ Jul-Aug-Sep Whole Body Initial Renewal Retest Scope Addition

□ Oct-Nov-Dec Extremity or EPD Initial Renewal Retest Scope Addition

Fill out the following information for each dosimeter model being tested (use copy of this form for additional 

dosimeters if necessary) and check the appropriate categories from the ANSI N13.32-2008 standard:

TYPE OF DOSIMETER:

Processor Dosimeter Description: ______________________________________________________________

Dosimeter Manufacturer: ___________________________ Holder Manufacturer: ____________________ 

Dosimeter Model #: _______________________________ Holder Model #: ________________________

Reader Manufacturer: _____________________________

Reader Model: ___________________________________

Dosimeter Active Element Offset from Phantom (cm): ________________________*

*Only include this offset if you want the doses reported to the active element of the dosimeter.

BETA/PHOTON NEUTRON

Film □ TLD Albedo □

TLD □ NTA Film □

Electronic □ Range (if applicable) _________ Polycarbonate □

Other □ Specify ____________________ Electronic □ Range (if applicable) _________

Other □ Specify ___________________

(continued on next page) 
DATE: DOSIMETER CODE: NVLAP LAB CODE:

IONIZING RADIATION DOSIMETRY PT APPLICATION (REV. 2023-12-20) PAGE 9 OF 9

EXTREMITY * 

CATEGORY I: HIGH-DOSE, PHOTONS

IA General (B and C, random) □

IB 137Cs □

IC M150 □

CATEGORY II: PHOTONS

IIA General □

IIB High E □

IIC Medium E □

IID Narrow spectrum □

CATEGORY III: BETAS

IIIA General (B and C, random) □

IIIB High E point source □

IIIC Low E point source □

IIID Slab uranium □

CATEGORY IV: PHOTON/BETA MIXTURES

Select Photon Category

IIA □ IIB □ IIC □ IID □

Select Beta Category

IIIA □ IIIB □ IIIC □

* See ANSI N13.32-2008, Table 1, p. 6.

DOSIMETER ELEMENT DESCRIPTION

ELEMENT 1 ELEMENT2 ELEMENT 3 ELEMENT 4 OTHER

Detector Type (i.e., TLD, OSL, TED) _________ _________ _________ _________ _________

Detector Composition (i.e., Al2O3, CR39) _________ _________ _________ _________ _________

Detector Thickness (mg/cm2) _________ _________ _________ _________ _________

ELEMENT FILTER DESCRIPTION

ELEMENT 1 ELEMENT2 ELEMENT 3 ELEMENT 4 OTHER

Filter Material _________ _________ _________ _________ _________

Filter Thickness (mg/cm2) _________ _________ _________ _________ _________

Other _________ _________ _________ _________ _________

HANGER FILTER DESCRIPTION

ELEMENT 1 ELEMENT2 ELEMENT 3 ELEMENT 4 OTHER

Filter Material _________ _________ _________ _________ _________

Filter Thickness (mg/cm2) _________ _________ _________ _________ _________

Other _________ _________ _________ _________ _________