What is the purpose of Whole Body Counter (WBC) sampling?

• A. To monitor hydration levels
• B. To monitor chemical exposure
• C. To monitor respiratory exposure
• D. To monitor radiation exposure

Answer: (D)

The main concept is that a Whole Body Counter is used to detect and quantify radionuclides inside the body to assess internal radiation exposure. It works by sensing the gamma rays emitted by radioactive material that may have entered the body through inhalation or ingestion and deposited in tissues. This provides an estimate of the committed effective dose from internal contamination, which external dosimeters won’t reveal. It’s not about hydration, chemical exposure, or external respiratory exposure—those are handled by other monitoring methods. WBC sampling specifically answers: is there internal radioactivity, and if so, how much dose does it represent?