SHEET INTERNAL CONTAMINATION MEASUREMENTS AND TREATMENTS Internal contamination measurements 37 Carry out the faeces bioassay The medical biology laboratory measures the activity of the alpha, beta, gamma or X-ray emitting radionuclides excreted in the faeces. The sample may undergo a chemical treatment prior to measurement in certain cases. • Collect the faeces as soon as possible after contamination (and over 3 days in succession if possible). • Keep the samples at a temperature of +4°C if possible. • 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. In vivo measurement: for internal contamination by gamma (or X-ray) emitters • In vivo measurement is only indicated for internal contamination by gamma (or X-ray) emitters. It measures the radionuclides present in the organism: detection of gamma and X-ray radiation and quantification of the radionuclides (in the majority of cases) incorporated in the whole body, in the lungs or in the thyroid. • The subject is placed in front of detectors. • It necessitates either the use of mobile means (IRSN, Armed Forces Radiological Protection Service – SPRA), or transportation of the person to the fixed facilities (IRSN, SPRA, Basic Nuclear Installations – BNIs). Mobile means available in France • Vehicles (trucks or shelters) of IRSN and the SPRA equipped with whole body and thyroid detectors: very effective for the detection of contamination by gamma emitters (e.g. iodine-131 or caesium-137). • The measurement is taken with the person standing or sitting, using a relatively short counting time (about 10 minutes). • This counting time can be adjusted according to the number of people to undergo radiation measurement and the desired level of activity detection. Whole body measurement of the thyroid in a laboratory truck (measurement in sitting position). © ASN/P. Beuf 108 MEDICAL RESPONSE IN NUCLEAR OR RADIOLOGICAL EMERGENCY
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