A local area network for controlling the ordering and purchasing of radioactive material

Efficient control over the purchase and receipt of radioactive material is a necessary part of any radiation safety program. We describe a novel computerized method for monitoring the flow of radioactive material within a large broad-licensed medical research complex. The Local Area Network (LAN) described interfaces the radiation safety office with radionuclide receiving, the authorized user, grants and contracts, special accounts, and purchasing. Task-specific software enables the authorized user to place an order and allows the monitoring of possession/ordering limits, personnel, date of order, and time of receipt via the screen. The resultant data base is easily annexed for specific information. The system is user-friendly and adaptable to any set of circumstances.