The current bioassay program provides monitoring for the whole body, thyroid, and urine to assess internal deposition. The urine bioassay is based on trigger quantities that are received in five consecutive working days. This is due to the short retention times of many beta emitting radioisotopes in the body. When the trigger quantity is activated, a notice is generated and given with the shipment. If no one has handled the trigger quantity, an urine sample is not required.
Any user can submit a urine sample at any time if there is any concern of ingestion or inhalation.
A portable system is taken by the technicians to monitor I-125 users as well as others in the laboratory. The whole body counting is performed in a shielded room that is located at the Center for Health Sciences and monitors internal deposition of gamma emitting radionuclides on a quarterly basis. The medical program covers both x-ray machines and radioactive materials for patient care. As a teaching institution, the training has become a significant part of the medical program. See special seminars, in part 3.2.