title: Use of statistical checks as maintenance tools for TLD readers.
abstract: Although the values of different parameters may remain within permissible limits during the operation of a thermoluminescent dosemeter (TLD) reader, certain effects can become apparent only when a long-term followup of these parameters is performed. In order to ensure an accurate and reliable operation of a TLD reader, the system characteristics must be monitored continuously. Long-term statistical checks of key system parameters may give a broader insight into the operational characteristics of the TLD reader and may help for proper maintenance of the system. The photomultipliers noise, the internal reference light source stability and the A to D reference voltage were found to be critical parameters, which have a major influence on the accuracy and stability of the system. A followup of these parameters for a period of about 10 y is presented, and some problems are seen to be reflected in the distributions.
authors.affiliation: Nuclear Research Centre Negev P.O. Box 9001, 84190 Beer-Sheva, Israel. marcelow@bezeqint.net
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Weinstein
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Shemesh
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Abraham
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: German
mesh_terms: D001822:Body Burden; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D038622:Internationality; D007557:Israel; D008283:Maintenance / Q000592:standards; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011786:Quality Control; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards*; D012062:Relative Biological Effectiveness; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013819:Thermoluminescent Dosimetry / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards*