Which instrument has a measurement range from background to 1000 R/h?

• A. AN/PDQ-1
• B. Dosimeter
• C. Geiger counter
• D. Radiation monitor

Answer: (A)

The key idea is knowing which instrument is designed to give an immediate, real-time readout of radiation levels spanning from natural background up to high dose rates in a portable, personal form. The AN/PDQ-1 is a personal monitor specifically built to read dose rates across that full range, providing a direct indication from background levels to as high as 1000 R/h, which makes it ideal for quickly assessing a wearer’s environment and deciding if action is needed. A dosimeter, while essential for tracking total accumulated exposure, typically measures cumulative dose rather than real-time rate and may not cover that wide, instantaneous range. A Geiger counter is a versatile tool for surveying and can indicate rate, but not all models are specified for a precise background-to-1000 R/h range in a compact personal package. A radiation monitor is usually a fixed, ambient device rather than a portable personal monitor. Therefore, the instrument with that range is the AN/PDQ-1.