Testing Decision Level (DL) and Minimum Detectable Amount (MDA) for Hanford In Vivo Counting Systems.

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Science and Engineering
• Radiation Detection and Measurement
• Bioassay Technology

Background:

• In vivo monitoring is crucial for Department of Energy (DOE) complex radiation safety programs.
• Accurate testing of decision level (DL) and minimum detectable amount (MDA) is a regulatory requirement for direct bioassay systems.
• Existing methods for testing in vivo counting systems can be resource-intensive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a cost-effective method for testing the DL and MDA of in vivo counting systems.
• To validate the effectiveness of this method using commonly available equipment.
• To confirm the validity of current DL and MDA values at the Hanford in vivo counting facility.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Bottle manikin absorption (BOMAB) and torso phantoms for system calibration.
• Employed point sources with a broad range of decay activities for testing.
• Focused on equipment and procedures standard within in vivo monitoring programs.

Main Results:

• The developed method is cost-effective and minimizes radiological waste.
• The testing confirmed the validity of the current DL and MDA values.
• The results support the reliability of the Hanford in vivo counting facility's monitoring capabilities.

Conclusions:

• The described method provides a practical and economical approach to testing in vivo counting systems.
• The established DL and MDA values are appropriate for the equipment and methods used at Hanford.
• This approach ensures the continued accuracy and compliance of in vivo monitoring programs.