Calibration measurements and standards for radiation protection dosimetry

The safe use of ionising radiation for applications in medicine, electric power production and industrial processes requires accurate measurements that are traceable to national standards. Radiological calibration laboratories provide measurements that may be used to determine the calibration coefficients for personal dosemeters and survey meters. The wide range of ionising radiation applications results in the need for a wide range of reference radiation types and intensities to be available in the calibration laboratory. The methods used and the problems encountered while developing reference radiations are discussed.     

Metrology in Chemistry in Germany

The system for Metrology in Chemistry in Germany is described. At the national standards level, a network of high-level chemistry institutes coordinated by the national metrology institute, PTB, provides the primary references for chemical measurements. A dissemination mechanism employs chemical calibration laboratories accredited within the framework of the German Calibration Service (DKD). They act as “multipliers” between the national standards level and the user level by providing the user with calibration means which are traceable to the SI via national standards. Traceability structures in clinical chemistry, electrochemistry, elemental analysis and gas analysis are described     

Coordinate-Based Evaluation of Two Dimensional Artefact Calibration Value as the Reference Standards for Coordinate Measuring Machines

Two dimensional standards are important materials which are used in the calibration and the verification of coordinate measuring machines. In several countries, the national metrology institutes or accredit laboratories provide the calibration services of the two dimensional standards such as ball plates, hole plates and grid plates. The metrological equivalence of the measurement standards among the calibration providers is validated through the key comparison program. In the previous key comparison for a ball plate and a hole plate, the equivalences among the participants’ calibration results were verified on the distances between the No. 1 ball/hole (i.e., the origins of the workpiece coordinates) and other balls/holes on the plates respectively. The essential measurands of the two dimensional standards are the coordinates of the feature points, however, the measurement equivalences on them have not been verified. In this study, the authors propose the coordinates-based evaluation of the reference values and their uncertainty in two dimensional standard calibration comparison.     

A Current Source for Picoammeter Calibration

A current source, which is to be employed in the calibration of low-current meters (picoammeters and electrometers), is presented here. The output current range is 100 fA to 100 pA and is directly traceable to calibrated standards of dc voltage, capacitance, and time period. The source is based on a low- frequency (ap1 mHz) trapezoidal signal generator, which charges and discharges a gas-dielectric capacitor; the voltage is monitored with a voltmeter that is triggered by a precision time base. The source has been employed during March 2006 for the Italian participation to the supplementary comparison EUROMET.EM-S24 and will be part of an extension of the Italian national standard of dc current. However, being composed of low-cost electronics and common commercial instrumentation, the source can also find useful application in secondary calibration laboratories.     

60Co γ辐射空气比释动能基准的研究进展和相关国际比对

60Coγ辐射空气比释动能基准是医用加速器光子水吸收剂量的重要溯源基准之一.近三年来,中国计量科学研究院(NIM)先后就60Co γ辐射空气比释动能参加了国际原子能机构(IAEA)的国际比对,以及国际计量局(BIPM)组织的新一轮的关键比对,最新的关键比对数据库(KCDB)结果表明,NIM的比对结果与国际计量研究机构及地区基准实验室的结果之间的一致性较好.     

Validity of calibration and test data: application of ISO/IEC Guide25 (EN 45001) or the ISO 9000 series

An indiscriminate insistence upon compliance with the ISO 9000 series standards on quality systems has gained such momentum that some organisations have convinced themselves mistakenly that certification to ISO 9002, in particular, is sufficient for the effective operation of a calibration or test laboratory and will ensure that the calibration or test data it generates is valid. This article explains why users of test and calibration services should require the laboratories to apply ISO Guide 25 and/or EN45001     

A Brazilian government external individual monitoring service: experience since 1972

Instituto de Radioprote??o e Dosimetria, a Brazilian government research institute, provides individual monitoring services since 1972. Its dosemeters are: film-based thorax for whole body photons, thermoluminescence dosimetry (TLD) albedo for whole body neutrons and TLD ring for extremity photons. About 6000 radiation workers are currently being monitored with film dosemeters in 256 different facilities in Brazil, most of them working in health-related activities. Around 400 Brazilian radiation workers are monitored with TLD albedo neutron monitor and about 500 workers use TLD rings. This paper describes the monitoring systems used, presents the results obtained in internal quality programs and in intercomparison exercises and analyses the measured dose values from 1985 to 2009.     

Occupational exposure in Portugal in 1999

This study reports the occupational radiation doses for external exposure received in 1999 by the radiation workers monitored by the Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety Department (DPRSN) in Portugal. Occupational exposures arise from conventional industry, research laboratories, the health or medical sector, and mining. There are no nuclear power plants in the country. There are two dosimetry systems running simultaneously at DPRSN, one based on film dosimetry and the other on thermoluminescence dosimetry (TLD). In 1999, 8400 persons were monitored, 3100 with film and 5300 with TLD and the data presented in this report were obtained by using both technologies. The annual mean effective doses received from external radiation in the different fields of activity and the distribution of the annual effective dose by dose intervals are presented. The collective annual dose by field of activity is estimated and the contribution to the total annual collective dose is determined.     

ARINC825总线校准方法研究

为解决航空ARINC825总线设备在高速传输模式下的校准问题,针对总线发送与接收特性提出了校准项目及方法,通过常用标准器将总线设备的各项参数溯源至国家基准,达到确保总线端口参数量值统一的目的,并且为ARINC825总线设备的校准提供方法依据。     

An Investigation of the Relation Between Contact Thermometry and Dew-Point Temperature Realization

Precision optical dew-point hygrometers are the most commonly used transfer standards for the comparison of dew-point temperature realizations at National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) and for disseminating traceability to calibration laboratories. These instruments have been shown to be highly reproducible when properly used. In order to obtain the best performance, the resistance of the platinum resistance thermometer (PRT) embedded in the mirror is usually measured with an external, traceable resistance bridge or digital multimeter. The relation between the conventional calibration of miniature PRTs, prior to their assembly in the mirrors of state-of-the-art optical dew-point hygrometers and their subsequent calibration as dew-point temperature measurement devices, has been investigated. Standard humidity generators of three NMIs were used to calibrate hygrometers of different designs, covering the dew-point temperature range from ?75 °C to + 95 °C. The results span more than a decade, during which time successive improvements and modifications were implemented by the manufacturer. The findings are presented and discussed in the context of enabling the optimum use of these transfer standards and as a basis for determining contributions to the uncertainty in their calibration.     

IAEA/WHO TLD postal dose audit service and high precision measurements for radiotherapy level dosimetry. International Atomic Energy Agency/World Health Organization

Since 1969 the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), together with the World Health Organization (WHO), has performed postal TLD audits to verify calibration of radiotherapy beams in developing countries. The TLD programme also monitors activities of Secondary Standard Dosimetry Laboratories (SSDLs). The programme has checked approximately 4000 clinical beams in over 1100 hospitals. and in many instances significant errors have been detected in the beam calibration. Subsequent follow-up actions help to resolve the discrepancies, thus preventing further mistreatment of patients. The audits for SSDLs check the implementation of the dosimetry protocol in order to assure proper dissemination of dosimetry standards to the end-users. The TLD audit results for SSDLs show good consistency in the basic dosimetry worldwide. New TLD procedures and equipment have recently been introduced by the IAEA that include a modified TLD calibration methodology and computerised tools for automation of dose calculation from TLD readings.     

The Candela and Photometric and Radiometric Measurements

The national measurement system for photometric and radiometric quantities is presently based upon techniques that make these quantities traceable to a high-accuracy cryogenic radiometer. The redefinition of the candela in 1979 provided the opportunity for national measurement laboratories to base their photometric measurements on optical detector technology rather than on the emission from high-temperature blackbody optical sources. The ensuing technical developments of the past 20 years, including the significant improvements in cryogenic radiometer performance, have provided the opportunity to place the fundamental maintenance of photometric quantities upon absolute detector based technology as was allowed by the 1979 redefinition. Additionally, the development of improved photodetectors has had a significant impact on the methodology in most of the radiometric measurement areas. This paper will review the status of the NIST implementation of the technical changes mandated by the 1979 redefinition of the candela and its effect upon the maintenance and dissemination of optical radiation measurements.     

Dosimetric monitoring in Ukraine--present status and path to the future

Despite wide use of nuclear energy and radiation sources in industry and medicine, there is no centralised dose accounting system in Ukraine; existing dosimetry services operate obsolete manual thermoluminescence dosemeter (TLD) readers and do not meet modern proficiency standards. Currently, dosimetric monitoring is required for approximately 42,000 occupationally exposed workers, including 9100 in medicine, 17,000 employees of nuclear power plants and approximately 16,000 workers dealing with other sources of occupational exposure. This article presents the plan of elaboration of the United System for monitoring and registration of individual doses which has the aim of harmonisation of individual monitoring in Ukraine through securing methodical unity; scientific and methodological guidance of individual dosimetric control; procurement of common technical policy regarding nomenclature and operation of instrumentation; implementation of quality assurance programmes; development and support of information infrastructure, in particular operation of the national registry of individual doses; training and certification of personnel engaged in the system of individual dosimetric monitoring.     

Overview of the Gas and Aerosol Metrology

There are several exciting developments noted in gas and aerosol measurements in recent years. On the other hand not much work has been done on the calibration facility, traceable standards, and certified reference materials for this field of science. More attention and concerns are needed for the comparable and SI traceable data quality in gas and aerosol measurements. The aim of this special issue of MAPAN-Journal of Metrology Society of India is to highlight such issues.     

Kalibrierung in der Werkstofftechnik als Mittel zur Qualitätssicherung

In order to achieve trusted results calibration of material testing machines is the required. The results have to be traceable to national standards. According to the state of technology this is mostly done by accredited labs. The uncertainty of measurements is calculated and taken into consideration. The corresponding procedure is demonstrated on the basis of the calibration of material testing machines ‐ taking the uncertainty into account without worsening of the class of the machine – and in consideration of ISO/IEC 17025. This can be verified on closer examination of the results of calibration for one machine over the last 60 years.     

The new EC technical recommendations for monitoring individuals occupationally exposed to external radiation

The purpose of the European Commission technical recommendations (TR) for monitoring individuals occupationally exposed to external radiation is to provide guidance on those aspects of the implementation of the European Union Parliament and Council Directives directly related to individual monitoring of external radiation, and to encourage harmonisation thereof. They are mainly aimed at the management and staff of IM services but also at manufacturers, laboratories supplying type-testing services, national authorities trying to harmonise approval procedures, and government bodies to harmonise regulations and guidance. The TR main topics are: objectives and aims of IM for external radiation; dosimetry concepts; accuracy requirements; calibration, type testing and performance testing; approval procedures; quality assurance and quality control; and dose record keeping. Attention is paid to particular aspects, such as wide energy ranges for the use of personal dosemeters, pulsed fields and non-charged particle equilibrium; and use of active personal dosemeters. The TR give proposals towards achieving harmonisation in IM and the eventual mutual recognition of services and of dose results.     

Implementation of standards for individual monitoring in Europe

A large number of standards are available for radiation protection and individual monitoring purposes. They are published by various organisations, international and national. Moreover, the increasing policy of "Quality" applied to individual monitoring requires the implementation of standards on Quality Assurance (QA) both in technical and management aspects of a dosimetric service. Implementation of standards is not mandatory; therefore, varying degrees of implementation can be found in different European countries. However, for a number of good reasons, a degree of harmonisation within the European Union (EU) of the requirements and procedures for individual monitoring would be desirable. Harmonisation as applied to dosimetric services does not mean that they should all follow exactly the same procedures, but that they should aim to meet the same general requirements, and their results should be comparable. This article aims to compile information on the use of all standards applied within individual monitoring practices, be it on the calibration of dosemeters or on the QA procedures to be applied to the overall dose evaluation process. Both "technical standards" and "quality standards" will be discussed. A list of documents of relevance to subjects such as recommendations and requirements in the field of individual monitoring, whose application could help in the harmonisation of procedures, will also be given. As it is agreed that implementation of quality standards is a relevant framework within which harmonisation can be achieved, guidance on the implementation of quality standards in a dosimetric service is given. Accreditation and approval of dosimetric services will be of relevance in the process of harmonisation of individual monitoring within the EU. In this article, a discussion of various procedures and the meaning of both forms of recognition is also provided. Although most of the text applies to the monitoring of internal and external exposure to ionising radiation, the emphasis of this practical guidance is on monitoring for external radiation with passive dosemeters.     

NAMAS and European co-operation

The standards set by the National Measurement Accreditation Service (NAMAS) and its laboratories are followed worldwide. The use of NAMAS experience to develop other countries' accreditation systems is extensive and shows no sign of abating. The article gives a background to NAMAS, its role in the National Measurement System (NMS) and its approach to the accreditation of calibration and testing laboratories. It also describes the roles played by the Western European Calibration Cooperation (WECC), by the Western European Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (WELAC) and by the European Organisation for Testing and Certification (EOTC)     

黑体辐射源的多波长有效亮度温度校准和不同溯源方式特点分析

介绍了中国计量科学研究院建立的标准变温黑体辐射源和有效亮度温度比较装置;阐述了黑体辐射源多波长有效亮度温度校准的2种方法,给出典型校准结果并分析了辐射源特性。比较分析了3种溯源方式的性能特点及其应用的影响因素。提出控温复现性的概念,它是以往未被重视的辐射源关键性能参数。多波长有效亮度温度校准是可减小或消除有效发射率和接触测温测点温差影响的溯源方案,与传统溯源方式特性互补,可用于评价辐射源的有效发射率和测点温差,对控温复现性好的辐射源效果最优。     

Toward instrument-independent quantitative measurement of fluorescence intensity in fiber-optic spectrometer systems

Fluorescence has been widely used in biological research and clinical diagnosis. One challenge facing the rapid growth of fluorescence application is the inability to make comparable fluorescence intensity measurements during a long period of clinical study and across laboratories. We propose a method to implement system-independent fluorescence intensity calibration in fiber-optic fluorescence spectrometer systems. This method is based on a National Institute for Standards and Technology traceable standard light source for system spectral response calibration, and a fluorescence reference standard for fluorescence intensity calibration. Human skin in vivo and a fluorescence phantom made of fluorescent microspheres were measured with two different system configurations and at different probe-sample distances. Experimental results showed very good agreement with theory after system-independent fluorescence intensity calibration.