Glossary Terms

The minimum dose that can be reliably detected.

Dose is reported as MR is it falls below the minimum detectable limit.  MR dose limits are: X-ray, gamma: 10 mrem Fetus: 10 mrem Ring: 30 mrem Beta: 30 mrem

The penetration of skin by a needle or other sharp object, which was in contact with blood, tissue, or other body fluid before the exposure. Occupational needlestick injuries primarily affect healthcare workers. Various other occupations are also at increased risk of needlestick injury, including law enforcement, laborers, tattoo artists, food preparers, and agricultural workers.

Radiation that does not produce ionization in biological tissue. Examples are ultraviolet radiation, light, infrared radiation and radiofrequency radiation.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) administers the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP). NVLAP provides accreditation services through various laboratory accreditation programs (LAPs), which are established on the basis of requests and demonstrated need. Each LAP includes specific test or calibration standards and related methods and protocols assembled to satisfy the unique

The internal and external dose of ionizing radiation received by workers in the course of employment. Occupational dose does not include the dose from natural background, medical or dental diagnosis or medical therapy.

Isotopes of an element that have an unstable nucleus. Radioactive isotopes are commonly used in science, industry, and medicine. The nucleus eventually reaches a stable number of protons and neutrons through one or more radioactive decays. Approximately 3,700 natural and artificial radioisotopes have been identified.

A unit used to measure the amount of radiation that results in the same amount of human tissue damage caused by one roentgen of radiation.

A small and extremely sharp bladed instrument used for surgery, or anatomical dissection. Medical scalpels are all single-use disposable. Disposable scalpels usually have a plastic handle and are used once, then the entire instrument is discarded. Scalpel blades are usually individually packed in sterile pouches but are also offered non-sterile. Scalpel blades are usually made

The measurement of external exposure received at a tissue depth of 0.007 centimeters.