The primary function of a dosimeter is to?

A dosimeter is a crucial device used in radiation protection that primarily functions to measure exposure to radiation. Its design allows it to detect and quantify the amount of ionizing radiation an individual is exposed to over a specific period. This measurement is essential for ensuring that personnel working in or around radiological environments are not exceeding safe exposure limits, thereby enabling proper health and safety management.

Dosimeters can provide real-time or cumulative readings of radiation levels, making them important tools for monitoring personal exposure and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. By measuring radiation exposure, dosimeters play a vital role in maintaining the safety of radiographers and operators during radiographic procedures.

The other options, while related to radiation safety and management, do not accurately capture the primary function of a dosimeter. Shielding against radiation is typically accomplished through barriers or protective materials, controlling the radiation process involves managing the equipment used to generate radiation, and documenting laboratory results pertains to recording experimental data, which is not the purpose of a dosimeter.