Comparison of film badges and thermoluminescent dosimeters

Ten individuals in 3 hospitals wore film badges and TLD monitors side by side on a monthly cycle for a period of 1 yr. Comparison of the exposures reported by both systems shows many inconsistencies, with one very noticeable trend. For those individuals working exclusively in diagnostic radiology, as opposed to radiotherapy or nuclear medicine, the agreement was generally poor. There were 15 instances out of a total of 120 where the exposure reported for the film badge was at least 10 times that reported for the TLD badge. All of these substantial discrepancies were for individuals working in diagnostic radiology. In view of the minimal energy dependence of lithium fluoride it is the author's opinion that the TLD reported exposures are nearer correct. Although both the film badge services involved have earned the National Sanitation Foundation seal of approval, there appears to be room for improvement in their interpretation of exposures to diagnostic X-rays.