Limit of detection comparison on urine gross alpha/beta, H-3, and P-32 analysis between different liquid scintillation counters

Abstract

As part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's post-radiological/nuclear incident response mission, we developed rapid bioassay analytical methods to assess possible human exposure to radionuclides and internal contamination. Liquid scintillation counting (LSC) is a valuable analytical tool for the rapid detection and quantification of gross alpha/beta-emitting radionuclides in urine samples. A key characteristic of this type of bioassay method is its detection sensitivity for the priority threat radionuclides. We evaluated the limit of detection of selected LSC instruments to determine which instrument can be used when low-dose measurement is important.

Alpha and beta spillover in liquid scintillation counting analysis of urine samples

“…Next, the region of interest (ROI) was chosen to minimize spillover on each instrument. The results of this optimization were presented in Table 1 together with other method parameters [ 5 , 6 ] and the limit of detection (LOD) found for each instrument [ 12 ].…”

“…LSC instrument optimization was performed as described in our previous publications [ 5 , 6 ]. An optimal PSA or PDD setting was determined for each instrument.…”

“…Calibration involves PSA/PDD setting optimization, quench curve preparation at an optimal PSA/PDD setting, and a region of interest (ROI) determination. A ROI is the region in which the given nuclide should be counted [ 5 , 6 ]. All these parameters affect spillover.…”

Study on Measurement Method of β Radioactivity in Environmental Water by Liquid Scintillation Spectrometers

“…However, when applied to radioactive water sample measurement, there are disadvantages of long analysis process and time-consuming measurement. When liquid scintillation method is used for measurement, radioactive environmental water samples can be completely dissolved or uniformly dispersed in the liquid scintillator, the detection geometric conditions are close to 4 π, the detection efficiency is high, the measurement time is short, and the radioactive measurement of environmental water samples has unique advantages [1][2][3].…”