Abstract
The purpose of this research was to evaluate whether the position of a thermoluminescent dosimeter crystal (TLD) results in different exposure rates. Methods: Nine subjects wore two TLD badges (one inward facing and one outward facing) for two months. Both TLDs were worn on the dominant hand on the middle finger with the TLD facing inward placed on the bottom and the outward facing TLD placed on top. At the end of the first month both TLDs were turned in and they were given two new TLDs. Combined results from the badges for the two months were recorded in millisieverts. A paired t-test with two sample means was performed comparing positions, for general nuclear medicine and PET/CT subjects, with an alpha of 0.05. Results: For all subjects and for general nuclear medicine and PET/CT groups, mean exposure was greater on the inward-facing TLD. Conclusion: Maximum extremity exposure readings for TLDs worn on the dominant hand are seen when the TLD is worn facing in toward the palm.