The reliability and validity of detecting low dose radiation when using radiation detection applications and devices for smartphones.

Abstract

Introduction: Recent studies have stated that the use of real time dosimeters decreases occupational dose. Since 2015, 54.9% of the European population carries a smartphone and new technology gives us the opportunity to use smartphones as real time dosimeters. The aim of the study is to investigate the reliability and validity of using the smartphone with applications or peripherals as a personal real time dosimeter.

Method: Three different makes of Android smartphones were used with RadioactivityCounter, Pocket Geiger Type6 and Smart Geiger. Tests were done with x-ray radiation, and the devices were used to measure the dose rate fromsources of the isotopes; 57Co, 99mTc and 137Cs.

Results: The short exposure time (x-ray pulse) showed measurement equal to the background radiation, however the constant exposure time showed some reliable and valid results. The Smart Geiger showed -71.51 ±7.1% average accuracy, the RadioactivityCounter showed -55.79% ±44.7% average accuracy while the Pocket Geiger Type6 showed a -25.52% ±10.8% average accuracy.

Discussion and conclusion: During the short exposure test, no radiation was detected. This is due to the software being designed for constant dose rates. When exposed to a constant radiation source; The Smart Geiger reported low doses, but there was no proof to suggest the device was actually detecting radiation; the RadioactivityCounter had a higher reliability and validity than the Smart Geiger; the results suggest that the Pocket Geiger Type6 could be possible reliable and valid detection device.