Introducing the ORA™ OSL Ring: A New Standard for Extremity Monitoring

Discover the ORA™ OSL Ring: the first US-made BeO and NVLAP-accredited extremity dosimeter (Lab Code 100512-0), offering unmatched accuracy, wearability, and compliance in mixed radiation fields.

At Radiation Detection Company (RDC), we are committed to advancing the science and practicality of radiation safety. I'm proud to introduce a major step forward in extremity monitoring: the ORA™ OSL Ring – the first domestically produced beryllium oxide (BeO) optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) extremity dosimeter.

For years, healthcare professionals, industrial workers, and radiation safety officers have faced a frustrating compromise: choose a dosimeter that’s easy to wear, or one that’s accurate in mixed radiation fields. With the ORA™ ring, we’ve eliminated that compromise.

Key Takeaways

First-of-Its-Kind Domestic Innovation

The ORA™ OSL Ring is the first US-produced BeO-based optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) extremity dosimeter, offering superior accuracy and reliability in mixed radiation fields.

ORA™ Excels in Regulatory Compliance

Fully NVLAP-accredited (Lab Code: 100512-0) and ANSI N13.32 Category IVAA–tested, the ORA™ ring ensures precise detection of both beta and photon radiation, supporting compliance with NRC dose monitoring requirements.

Engineered for Accuracy and Durability

BeO OSL technology enables low fade, multi-read capability, and a lower limit of detection (LLD) than traditional TLDs, making it ideal for all areas where extremity monitoring is required, especially in complex environments like hospitals and nuclear facilities.

Designed for Real-World Wearability

The ORA™ ring is hypoallergenic, flexible, and easy to manage, with one-size simplicity, laser-etched identifiers, and color-coded wear dates that enhance comfort and logistics in clinical settings.

Performance Under Pressure

ORA™ maintains dose accuracy after exposure to extreme temperatures (up to 201°F) and sterilization processes, making it ideal for demanding conditions where hygiene and resilience are critical.

Why Extremity Dosimetry Needs a Revolution

Extremity exposure monitoring presents a unique set of challenges. Medical and industrial procedures often expose workers to mixed radiation fields during the same wear period, such as beta emitters (e.g., Y-90, Sr-89, Lu-177) combined with photons from fluoroscopic imaging. Yet not all dosimeters are designed or accredited to detect this mix reliably.

Beta exposure may be underreported without proper detection, which jeopardizes compliance with NRC dose limits and undermines worker safety. To meet ANSI N13.32 standards and protect those who operate in a mixed radiation field, dosimeters must pass Category IVAA testing – something many competitors still fall short of.

The ORA™ OSL ring not only passes this mixed-field category, it excels in it, ensuring that occupational dose is captured and reported with precision.

Occupational radiation exposure, if not properly monitored, can result in long-term health consequences, including cancer and cardiovascular disease.¹ That’s why using dosimeters approved for a legal dose of record, such as those from an NVLAP-accredited lab (Lab Code: 100512-0), is essential.

The ORA™ Advantage: BeO OSL Technology in Action

What makes the ORA™ ring different? It’s all about the material.

BeO-based OSL dosimeters offer superior signal stability, low fade, and high accuracy across multiple radiation types. Here’s how it works:

• Ionizing radiation excites electrons in the BeO crystal
• Blue light stimulation (~455 nm) releases trapped electrons
• Violet light (~350 nm) is emitted in proportion to the absorbed dose and read by a PMT

This process allows for multiple readings without degrading the signal, unlike traditional thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs). That means higher reliability, especially in field conditions where readouts might be delayed, or in situations where dosimeter rings have been stored in harsh environments.

Unlike TLDs, which require thermal stimulation, OSLs use light to trigger electron release, making them easier to process, faster to read, and more adaptable to re-analysis.

OSLs like the ORA™ ring also boast a lower limit of detection (LLD), allowing for accurate measurement of even very low levels of exposure. This is especially critical in high-sensitivity environments like hospitals or nuclear facilities.

Built for Real-World Workflows: Logistics, Comfort, and Compliance

Technical superiority is only half the story. We know from decades of client partnerships that if a ring is uncomfortable or difficult to manage, employees won’t wear it. That’s why the ORA™ ring was designed with the user in mind.

User-friendly features include:

• Hypoallergenic, flexible fit: Doesn’t pinch or irritate during long shifts
• Laser-etched identifiers: No paper inserts that degrade or get lost
• Visual management: Color-coded wear dates and one-size simplicity reduce program complexity
• Barcode scanning: Easy, on-site tracking streamlines workflows

Plus, ORA™ is backed by RDC’s reliable delivery and customer service. Program administrators can expect on-time delivery 10 days before the wear date starts, and dose results within 6 days of return. That's the RDC difference – reliable service to match reliable technology.

The ORA™ ring is part of RDC’s broad suite of passive dosimetry services. Passive dosimeters like the ORA™ ring provide a legal dose of record.

Heat-Resistance & Hygiene: Proven Under Pressure

We engineered the ORA™ ring to withstand real-life extremes. Unlike some dosimeters that experience significant signal fade in high temperatures, the ORA™ ring retains signal integrity, preserving dose accuracy even when mishandled or delayed:

• ORA™ dosimeters demonstrate excellent precision even after exposure to high temperatures up to 201°F (94°C), simulating storage in a hot car over a weekend.
• The BeO OSL material is also highly resistant to fading at elevated temperatures, making ORA™ a reliable solution for organizations that rely heavily on sterilization processes.

OSL dosimeters, especially those made with BeO, are less affected by environmental conditions like light, humidity, and heat than traditional TLDs. This means greater stability for both storage and high-stress use cases.

Understanding the Science: OSL vs. TLD

TLDs and OSLs are both forms of passive dosimeters used in occupational settings to record cumulative radiation exposure. TLDs operate via thermoluminescence, where heat releases trapped electrons that emit light. OSLs, like the ORA™ ring, use light instead of heat to stimulate the emission process, resulting in more controlled, repeatable, and efficient readouts.

TLDs are still widely used in nuclear plants and medical environments, often utilizing lithium fluoride or calcium-based crystals. However, OSLs, particularly those made with BeO, offer distinct advantages: greater durability, reusability, lower detection thresholds, and better performance in mixed radiation fields.

BeO is also a tissue equivalent material, which means it responds similarly to how the body responds. This differs from Al2O3:C, which is not a tissue equivalent material, and adds a lot of complexity in determining an accurate dose.

Passive dosimeters like ORA™ are NVLAP-accredited and meet all compliance requirements for regulatory reporting. (NVLAP Lab Code: 100512-0)

The Bottom Line: Confidence in Compliance

From NVLAP proficiency test results in all major categories (IA, IIA, IIIA, IVAA) to robust wearability and logistics, we created the ORA™ BeO OSL Ring to meet the full spectrum of regulatory, clinical, and operational demands.

RDC supports over 40,000 organizations nationwide, offering TLD and OSL badges, NetDose™ digital dosimeters, fetal and area monitoring, and personalized support to help you choose the right fit for your radiation safety program.

Contact Radiation Detection Company today to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the ORA™ OSL Ring and how is it used in radiation monitoring?

The ORA™ OSL Ring is a BeO-based optically stimulated luminescence extremity dosimeter developed by Radiation Detection Company (RDC). It is worn on the finger to monitor occupational radiation exposure to the hands, particularly in medical and industrial settings where workers handle radiation-emitting materials or work in an ionizing radiation field. The ORA™ ring captures cumulative dose over a set wear period and meets regulatory standards for a legal dose of record.

How does the ORA™ OSL Ring compare to traditional TLD dosimeters?

Unlike thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs), which require high heat (up to 400°C) to release stored radiation data, the ORA™ OSL Ring uses light to stimulate electron release. This makes it easier to process, allows for multiple readouts without signal loss, and results in better performance in high-heat or mixed-radiation environments. Additionally, BeO OSL technology provides a lower limit of detection and improved long-term stability compared to TLDs.

Is the ORA™ OSL Ring NVLAP-compliant?

Yes. The ORA™ OSL Ring is fully NVLAP-accredited (Lab Code: 100512-0) and passes ANSI N13.32 proficiency testing, including Category IVAA for mixed-field radiation detection. This makes it suitable for use in clinical, nuclear, and industrial settings where both photon and beta radiation are present. It provides an accurate, legal dose of record in compliance with US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requirements and agreement states.

Can the ORA™ OSL Ring withstand extreme environments or sterilization?

Absolutely. The ORA™ ring has been tested to remain accurate after exposure to extreme temperatures up to 201°F (94°C) and can be sterilized without compromising dose integrity. Its resistance to heat, humidity, and optical fade makes it ideal for clinical environments, such as surgery and nuclear medicine, where hygiene and accuracy are critical.

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