IAEA holds record training course for radiation dosimetry labs

The largest ever training course for the creation and management of dosimetry labs took place under the guidance of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) last week, with the goal of promoting international standardization.

Dosimeters are the devices used to detect and measure radiation. Only 86 labs across 72 countries can provide calibrations for them, requiring specialists in the field. IAEA gathered more than 100 of those specialists in coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO). It took place over a week.

“In scope and reach, this training represents a milestone in our efforts to boost dosimetry capabilities in countries worldwide,” Paula Toroi, a medical radiation specialist at the IAEA, said.

Dosimeters need to be regularly calibrated and to do this, they are cross-checked against a national reference standard maintained by the network’s dosimetry labs and provided free of charge. Such accurate measurements are essential for medical radiation therapy and diagnostics, as well as various industrial and environmental measurement applications.