BLOCK 7: IONIZING RADIATION - Unit 15: Internal Dosimetry (complete)

Question 1

The USAF Internal Dosimetry Program is governed by three primary references:

Answer 1

AFMAN 48-148, Ionizing Radiation Protection
AFMAN 48-125, Personnel Ionizing Radiation Dosimetry Program
AFMAN 40-201, Radioactive Materials (RAM) Management

Question 2

The science of assessing the amount and distribution of radionuclides in the body.

Answer 2

INTERNAL DOSIMETRY

Question 3

Unstable isotopes that may emit energy in the form of radiation in order to become more stable.

Answer 3

RADIONUCLIDES

Question 4

Who should be monitored for internal deposition of radionuclides?

Answer 4

Personnel with the potential to exceed 2% of their Annual Limit on Intake.

Question 5

Who will determine who meets this criteria through evaluation of work processes and controls.

Answer 5

Radiation Safety Officer (RSO)

Question 6

This is the direct measurement of radiation emitted from the body from internally deposited radionuclides.

Answer 6

IN VIVO

“within the living”

This could include direct measurement of the thyroid following a potential radioiodine uptake (some nuclear medicine clinics may still practice this), or scanning of personnel using a whole body counter (such as in some radiochemistry laboratories or Naval facilities following an accident). The instruments must be specifically calibrated for the measurement of internally deposited radionuclides.

Question 7

This is the measurement of radioactive material exterior to the body, excreted (e.g. fecal or urine samples) or otherwise removed (e.g. nasal swabs, blood) from the body.

Answer 7

IN VITRO

“in glass” Refers to the glass test tubes found in most labs.

In vitro sampling is the primary method of bioassay sampling in the Air Force. In vitro bioassay samples are submitted to the USAFSAM/OEA Laboratory for analysis. The results from a bioassay sample are then used to calculate an internal dose.

Question 8

The ____________________ should be contacted for assistance in determining a routine sampling frequency and matrix dependent upon the specific use scenario, especially for those nuclides with frequencies listed in hours to days.

Answer 8

ESOH Service Center or Radiation Dosimetry Laboratory