What are EDE calculations and how do I set them up?

This article will describe the details of EDE (Effective Dose Equivalent) calculations and how set them up in the NetDose Web UI.

Overview

Effective Dose Equivalent (EDE) is a crucial measure that assesses the overall risk of exposure to radiation based on the location of the dosimeters worn by the user. It takes into account the specific sensitivity of different organs to radiation, providing a comprehensive understanding of the user's exposure risk.

Determining whether an EDE calculation is necessary depends on various factors, including state and federal regulations and the type of work being done. If you are unsure, consult with your Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), Health Physicist, or regulatory authority. They can provide further guidance on whether EDE calculation is required for your specific situation and how it should be configured.

NetDose offers Webster Single and Double calculations using collar and/or torso dosimeters. The dosimeter(s) and the wearer must be configured properly in the NetDose platform to provide accurate dose data.

By default, your devices will not arrive configured for EDE calculations. If EDE calculation is required, you must configure the system as described below to enable EDE.  

EDE Calculation Setup 

EDE calculation setup for a user is a two-step process:

1. Assign a dosimeter (or two, depending on the desired EDE calculation) to a user and check the EDE calculation check box.
2. Enable EDE calculation for the user.

The order of the steps does not matter, though we will be doing them in the order above in this document. The dosimeter can also have EDE calculation enabled after it is assigned to a user, it does not have to take place at assignment. 

Step 1: Assign a dosimeter.

1. 

   Click on the 'Devices' menu. 

2. Click on the dosimeter you wish to assign. 

3. Click the three dots () toward the upper right. 

4. Click the 'Assign to user' button. 

   

5. In the pop-up window, select the Wearer from the list. Only users that are able to be assigned a dosimeter will appear in the list.

6. Select the dose record start date. For more information regarding the dose record start date, please click here, and reference Step 2 of the Assigning a dosimeter guide.

7. Select the body location. The location where the dosimeter will be worn. The wearer can have only one dosimeter of the same type assigned to the same body location. If the wearer already has an assigned dosimeter of the same type and location, the body location where they are worn is disabled. You can only choose Torso and Collar for EDE calculations.

8. Check the 'Use for EDE calculation' box. Checking ‘Use for EDE calculation’ box makes that dosimeter available for EDE calculation. 

9. Click assign.

Step 2: Enable User EDE Calculation.

1. 

   Click on the ‘Users’ menu. 

2. Click on the desired wearer.

3. Click on the 'Dosimetry' tab in the pop-up window. Users with EDE not configured properly will have an alert (red triangle) as shown in the pictures below. This is due to either the user not being enabled for the proper EDE calculation, or the assigned dosimeters do not have the EDE calculation enabled. 

                                       
   

4. Click Edit.  

5. Select the EDE calculation method from the drop-down menu.  

   Collar (Webster single): EDE calculation based on a dosimeter worn on the collar.  EDE = 0.3X the accumulated collar deep dose. The user must have one badge assigned to the collar position with EDE enabled on the device.

   Collar and Torso (Webster double): EDE calculation based on a pair of dosimeters worn on both the collar and torso.  EDE = 1.5X the accumulated torso deep dose + 0.04X accumulated collar deep dose. The user must have two badges assigned, one to the torso, and one to the collar.  Both devices must have EDE enabled.

   Any Alerts shown for EDE should disappear if the calculation is setup correctly.

6. Click the save button.

Setting up EDE after dosimeters are assigned. 

It is possible to configure EDE calculations after a dosimeter is assigned to a user:

1. Click on the 'Users' menu.
2. Cick on the desired user.
3. Click on the 'Dosimetry' tab in the pop-up window.
4. Click the 'Edit' button.
5. Select the EDE calculation type you wish to use from the drop-down menu.

6.  Scroll down to the section where the assigned dosimeters are located. 

7. Check the EDE calculation boxes.  If the 'Collar (Webster single)' calculation was selected, one dosimeter must be assigned to the wearer's collar. Check the box for this dosimeter.  If the 'Collar and Torso (Webster double)' calculation was selected, one dosimeter must be assigned to the wearer's collar and one to the wearer's torso. Check the boxes for both dosimeters.  
8. Click the Save button to save your changes.