1. A method of measuring radiation dose absorbed by a dosimeter using composite glow curve date obtained with a thermoluminescent dosimetry reader wherein such composite glow curve data is composed of the superposition of plural overlapping glow peaks plus instrumental and dosimeter background, comprising the steps of: (a) acquiring composite glow curve data of a dosimeter, and (b) analyzing said composite glow curve data to derive the absorbed radiation dose of the dosimeter, said analyzing step including the steps of: (i) automatically identifying at least one pivotal point in the composite glow curve, and (ii) using a thusly identified pivotal point automatically to subtract high temperature infrared background from the composite glow curve data.