SELECTION CRITERIA

a. Numerous radiation detection instruments exist which utilize one or more of the operating principles discussed above. The selection of instruments to use in radiation environments is based on the kind of information sought and type of radiation involved.

b. In most cases involving radiation protection surveys, the instrument operator is seeking information concerning the amount of radiation per unit time (dose rate) or the accumulated amount (total dose). Therefore, we categorize radiation detection instruments as rate meters or dosimeters, depending on the information they provide.