Standardization of (125)I by the coincidence method and practical applications.

A new coincidence system, based on two thin NaI(Tl) crystals, 50 x 2mm(2), with beryllium windows, 1.5mgcm(-2), positioned approximately symmetrically from the source holder (at various distances) was constructed. The electronic chains of a classical 4piPC-gamma system were utilized. A multichannel analyzer was employed for energy calibration, and an oscilloscope for visualization of the pulses. After calibration, the system was used for the standardization of an (125)I solution. An energy window of 12-95keV containing the entire spectrum (single and sum peak) was employed, and a simple demonstration of Taylor's equation [1967. X-ray-X-ray coincidence counting methods for the standardization of (125)I and (197)Hg. In: Standardization of Radionuclides: Proceedings of a International Atomic Energy Agency Symposium, Vienna, 1966, pp. 341-353, SM-79/65] for whole spectrum counting, was developed. The method and system were tested during the calibration of a LKB 2104 multi-gamma counter, by comparing the detection efficiency values obtained for this prepared standard solution and that utilized in the CIPM-CCRI(II) key comparison. The efficiency of the equipment was calculated as the mean of the two individual values. The result validates the method and demonstrates the accomplishment of the national traceability assurance in nuclear medicine for (125)I.

Low-level gamma spectrometry using beta coincidence and Compton suppression.

A low-level gamma-ray spectrometry system was developed using a Ge(Li) detector with 6% relative efficiency coupled to a 2pi beta plastic detector for coincidence selection and a massive NaI(Tl) detector for Compton suppression. The integral background count rate for (50-1500)keV was 0.5 s(-1)kg(-1) (Ge), using only beta coincidences. With Compton suppression, a value of 0.25 s(-1)kg(-1) (Ge) was obtained. Spectra with and without Compton suppression were studied for 60Co, 137Cs and 152Eu point sources. Considerations are made concerning the Compton suppression advantages in different situations.

Standardization of 68(Ge+Ga).

The radionuclide 68Ga is mainly a positron emitter (89.2%), with a half-life of 67.7 min. It is used in nuclear medicine, being chemically extracted from the mixture 68(Ge+Ga); its precursor, 68Ge, disintegrates 100% by electron capture, with a half-life of 270.8d (Table of radionuclides, comments and Evaluation). A 4pibeta-gamma coincidence method was used for standardization, with a 4pi proportional beta-detector and a NaI(Tl) gamma detector. Registration of the capture radiations was avoided using foil absorption and a high beta threshold. Using supplementary foils for positron absorption, extrapolation graphs were obtained, with a mean slope of -4.4%. Care was taken to compensate for the loss of 68Ge during the preparation of solid sources for measurement. A combined uncertainty of 1.1% was estimated.

Standardization of 65Zn by 4piPC-gamma coincidence counting method with efficiency extrapolation.

A 65Zn solution was standardized by the 4piPC-gamma efficiency-extrapolation coincidence counting method. Theoretical aspects of coincidence equations, efficiency equations and linearity conditions are reviewed. Experimental measurements were performed for two low level discrimination thresholds for the PC channel (counting K+L or K X-rays or Auger electrons from EC decay) and for three different settings of the gamma window. Requirements on gamma channel set-up for linear extrapolation were established by using a Pb absorber or by proper gamma window setting. The measured activity values were discussed and found in good agreement with those obtained with a calibrated ionization chamber.

Precise measurement of the activity of 186Re, 188Re radiopharmaceuticals.

The paper presents the results obtained in the assurance of traceability along the whole chain: production, distribution, use in hospitals, for the activity measurement of radiopharmaceuticals containing 186Re, 188Re and 186Re + 188Re mixtures. Standardization of the solutions, 4piPC-beta-efficiency relations and responses of a Centronic IG 12/20A ionization chamber and other radioisotope calibrators are presented. Gamma-ray and bremsstrahlung radiation contributions in the total response were evaluated. Some of the relevant results were compared with literature data.

Standardization of 152Eu.

152Eu was standardized within the frame of a BIPM international comparison. The solution was prepared and bottled by PTB. The ampoules were measured at BIPM in the SIR ionization chambers and then dispatched to the participating laboratories. In the Radionuclide Metrology Laboratory of IFIN-HH, the solution was standardized using a coincidence method with "beta-efficiency extrapolation" by foil absorption. A simple 4pi beta-gamma-coincidence system was used, with NaI(Tl) and 4piPC detectors. No significant impurities were found apart for 0.5% 154Eu. To obtain linear extrapolation plots, a "gamma-window" of 180-1500 keV was chosen. Dead-times of 10 micros were used. A combined uncertainty of 0.24% was obtained, mainly from the extrapolation procedure component.

Standardization of 89Sr.

Two methods were used for the standardization of the pure beta-emitter 59Sr solution received in the framework of the 2000 BIPM comparison of activity measurements. The first method was by scintillation counting using the triple to double coincidence ratio (TDCR) technique. The existing three detector-system was improved by the inclusion of a MAC-3 module produced by LNHB-Saclay. This module contains the circuits for the coincidence, dead time and gate functions. This was the first use of this equipment in an international comparison. The DETECSZ program (LNHB) was used to obtain the activity concentration, at the reference time, as 26.09+/-0.21 kBq g(-1). The second method was the efficiency tracer technique, using a 60Co standard solution and a 4pi beta-gamma-coincidence system. The radioactivity concentration was calculated from a general extrapolation curve, by using data from several sources. The value was 26.58+/-0.28 kBq g(-1) on the reference date 01.10.2000, 00 h UTC. The two results are in agreement within the limits of their combined uncertainties.