Which describes the average accuracy of a thermoluminescent dosimeter?

• A. +/- 1%
• B. +/- 9%
• C. +/- 25%
• D. +/- 40%

Answer: (B)

Thermoluminescent dosimeters have moderate accuracy because their reading depends on multiple factors from irradiation to readout, including calibration, fading over time, and energy dependence. The typical overall uncertainty combines these factors and Common practice places the average accuracy around ±9%.

That level reflects realistic performance: it’s not near-perfect (which would be around ±1%), and it isn’t extremely imprecise (±25% or ±40%), which would undermine reliable dose tracking. The ±9% figure captures the balance between practical precision and the inherent variability in TLD systems.

In short, the average accuracy of a TLD is about ±9% because of calibration and readout uncertainties, fading, and energy response, making the other options too optimistic or too pessimistic for routine use.