Type testing of a new TLD for the UK Health Protection Agency.

The UK Health Protection Agency is currently commissioning a new personal dosimetry system based on the use of Harshaw two-element thermoluminescent dosemeter cards using LiF:Mg,Cu,P. Results of extensive type testing carried out with reference to IEC 61066, "Thermoluminescence Dosimetry Systems for Personal and Environmental Monitoring", have been presented.

Dose quantities and instrumentation for measuring environmental gamma radiation during emergencies.

The dosimetry for exposure to gamma radiation in the environment is reviewed, including the factors used to convert measurements of traceable quantities to effective dose equivalent. A value of 0.70 Sv Gy-1 is widely used to convert air kerma or absorbed dose-to-air to effective dose equivalent, but recent work shows that a value of 0.86 Sv Gy-1 is more appropriate for deposited radionuclides. The arguments are reviewed and the implications of using operational dose equivalent quantities defined by the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements are considered. For planar deposited sources in the environment, it is shown that the use of ambient dose equivalent quantities without applying conversion factors, could significantly overestimate effective dose equivalent. In contrast, the adoption of the new effective dose quantity defined by the International Commission on Radiological Protection in Publication 60 will have a small impact on conversion factors for gamma radiation in the environment. Practical aspects of measurement are also considered, and five instruments suitable for measuring environmental gamma radiation have been evaluated in the laboratory and in field tests. The instruments include models with scintillation detectors, a Geiger-Müller detector, and a high-pressure ionization chamber, the choice being influenced by those commonly used in European Community countries for routine and emergency monitoring. The main disadvantage of all the instruments is the lack of spectral information, so a straightforward emergency instrument capable of discriminating between natural and artificial radionuclides has also been evaluated.

Blunt renal trauma: the value of a conservative approach to major injuries in clinically stable patients.

A 10-year retrospective study of 393 cases of blunt renal trauma was carried out to evaluate the use of a conservative approach to therapy in clinically stable patients with major renal injuries. Injuries were minor in 357 patients who were successfully treated conservatively. Major injuries occurred in 36 patients; 28 were treated conservatively. Of the 28, 17 had no complications. Seven required total or partial nephrectomy to control bleeding and four had drainage, one with marsupialization of a large renal cyst, 1 year after injury. The authors advocate conservative treatment of major blunt renal injuries in clinically stable patients.