INTERNAL CONTAMINATION MEASUREMENTS AND TREATMENTS Internal contamination measurements Three types of examination can be carried out to detect internal contamination by radionuclides: analysis of nasal samples, radiotoxicological analyses of urines and faeces, in vivo measurements. Responders • IRSN • SPRA (Armed Forces Radiological Protection Service) • OHS (Occupational Health Service) and the medical biology laboratory of the CEA, EDF and Orano + 37SHEET Check the internal contamination The examinations • If the means are already available in the facility, direct the victim to the mobile in vivo measurement and/or portable spectrometry means for the internal contamination check. • Otherwise, depending on the radionuclides involved, the victim may be asked to undergo in vivo measurement in mobile or fixed facilities and/or collection of excreta at a later date. Positive nasal samples strongly suggest internal contamination; to be confirmed by urine and faeces analysis analyses or in vivo measurements. Caution: if a sample gives negative results, this does not necessarily exclude the presence of internal contamination. The urine and faeces analysis and in vivo measurements serve to identify and quantify contaminating radionuclides. The dose received by the contaminated person can be calculated from the measured activities, the time elapsed between contamination and measurement (or sampling) and the circumstances of the accident. The choice of the measurement(s) to take depends on the contaminating element, the contamination route (inhalation, ingestion or wound) and the time elapsed since the contamination. Take nasal samples • The samples on swabs, “flags” or paper tissues must be taken within one hour following contamination via the respiratory tract, because of the rapid transit of the particles in the rhino-pharyngeal region. • Place the samples in tubes or plastic bags and send them to the Institute of Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN) or any radiotoxicology laboratory capable of conducting this type of analysis. Carry out the urine bioassay The medical biology laboratory measures the activity of the alpha, beta, or gamma-X emitting radionuclides excreted in the urines. The sample may undergo a chemical treatment prior to measurement in certain cases. • Start urine collection as soon as possible after contamination. The urine must be collected over 24 h. • Collect the urine in plastic containers without a preserving agent if they are taken to the laboratory within less than 48 hours. If possible, keep at a temperature of +4°C. • Identify individually and time stamp each sample correctly before dispatching them. • Send the samples to IRSN or any other accredited radiotoxicology laboratory: list of accredited organisations for individual dosimetric monitoring (internal dosimetry) downloadable. MEDICAL RESPONSE IN NUCLEAR OR RADIOLOGICAL EMERGENCY 107
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NjQ0NzU=