Overview
Whenever an individual comes into contact with a radioactive material the possibility exists that they will absorb, inhale or ingest some of it and that radioactivity will enter their body. Understanding the isotopic profile and the quantity of radioactivity retained in the human body after an uptake event is important for dose management. This uptake can be measured in two ways; by directly monitoring the body, or by analysis of bodily fluids.
Bioassay services are used for ongoing confirmatory monitoring programs and as a one-off to respond to an emergency uptake event.
We offer complete dosimetry services involving the measurement of key alpha, beta, and gamma radioisotopes in urine, feces, and nasal swabs.
Why Us?
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Rapid Response
When personal health and safety are at stake, such as in a suspected uptake event, you may need to obtain information quickly. We have the ability to mobilize a rapid response service and quickly get you the answers you need.
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Licensed and Accredited
Our alpha dosimetry Lab is licensed by our nuclear regulator according to S-106, "Technical and Quality Assurance Requirements for Dosimetry Services", and our testing procedures are accredited to ISO 17025 by the Standards Council of Canada.
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Dose Assessment and Supporting Services
In addition to performing the analyses, our certified health physicists will calculate the dose, advise on any necessary actions, and help you with your investigations.
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Femtogram Detection Limits
Our sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SF ICP-MS) plutonium analysis has femtogram detection limits for Pu-239 and Pu-240 in urine bioassays.
Technical Abilities
Bioassay Analysis Services
We can undertake analysis of feces, urine, nasal swabs, and other bodily fluids for gamma emitters, transuranic elements (Am, Cm, Pu, U & Th isotopes), and beta emitters (Fe-55, Ni-63, Sr-90 & Pu-241).
In addition, we perform the analysis of Pu-239 and Pu-240 bioassays to femtogram detection limits, corresponding with a dose of 0.1mSv/annum in a daily urine output.
Quality Assurance
Our alpha dosimetry laboratory is licensed by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission according to S-106, "Technical and Quality Assurance Requirements for Dosimetry Services". Its individual testing procedures are accredited to ISO 17025 by the Standards Council of Canada.
To satisfy license requirements and to maintain accreditation, we perform quarterly in-house blind testing and participate in proficiency testing programs administered by Health Canada and Procorad (France), several times a year. In addition, reliable performance has been confirmed by DOELAP (The Department of Energy Laboratory Accreditation Program) and (US) National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) NIST Radiochemistry Intercomparison Program (NRIP) radio-bioassay performance testing for alpha measurements.
Our Proven Experience
Quality Assurance & Technical Standards
- CNSC S-106 (2006)
- Licensed Dosimetry Services
- ISO 17025 (2017)
- Testing & Calibration Laboratories