Description
Higher than expected film badge readings were obtained for radiologic technologists operating computed tomography scanners. The cause of the erroneous dose assignments was determined to be improper storage of the film packet in the console area. Since the filter holder was absent during exposure, the overestimation of photon energy resulted in an incorrect conversion from optical density to dose. Film badges and particularly the film packet should not be stored in controlled areas where the radiation levels are expected to be above background.