Where is the pocket chamber worn in personnel monitoring?

• A. At the abdomen
• B. On the chest
• C. On the wrist
• D. In the pocket

Answer: (A)

Pocket dosimeters are placed on the body where they can most accurately reflect the radiation reaching the torso, which is representative of whole-body exposure. Positioning the pocket chamber at the abdomen (waist area) provides a stable, accessible site that sits away from excessive shielding and occlusion by protective gear. This location tends to yield readings that correlate well with the dose to the central body, making it a practical and reliable monitoring point for daily use.

Placing the device higher on the chest can be affected by shielding from a lead apron, potentially underestimating exposure to the rest of the body. A wrist placement or putting the dosimeter in a pocket can misrepresent overall exposure and may be more easily damaged or obscured.