IEC 61526:2010 specifies general characteristics, general test procedures, radiation characteristics as well as electrical, mechanical, safety and environmental characteristics. The only requirements specified for associated readout systems are those which affect its accuracy of readout of the personal dose equivalent and alarm settings and those which concern the influence of the reader on the dosemeter. This new edition includes the following significant technical changes with regard to the previous one: - improved determination of constancy of the dose response and statistical fluctuations; - abolition of classes of personal dose equivalent meters in relation to retention of stored information; - inclusion of usage categories of personal dosemeters.