Radiochemistry Laboratory
If your project requires specialized analysis of environmental samples and unique matrices, Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) offers extensive analytical capabilities at its very own radiochemistry laboratory.
Our laboratory’s quality assurance program not only meets, but beats the requirements of industry-recognized regulatory agencies and standards bodies.
Our laboratory capabilities are one of our greatest strengths. We strive to maintain our reputation as a leader in the field of independent verification by ensuring our laboratory’s quality assurance program exceeds industry standards. We analyze more than 150 performance evaluation samples each year and also participate in regular internal and external quality assurance audits. We also perform rigorous testing to ensure process integrity throughout the project to provide exceptional quality data.
Our experience and expertise are so well respected that in 2002, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) delegated all radioanalytical tasks formerly performed by their in-house laboratories to ORAU. In addition, the laboratory also performs radioanalytical examinations for the U.S. Department of Energy, the Department of Homeland Security, and other federal agencies and state governments.
Key laboratory capabilities include:
- alpha spectroscopy
- gamma spectroscopy
- liquid scintillation spectroscopy
- low-background gross alpha and beta assays
- radiochemical analyses for alpha and beta emitters
Quality Standards. The laboratory participates in two performance evaluation programs including:
- The Mixed Analyte Performance Evaluation Program (MAPEP) administered by the Radiological and Environmental Safety Laboratory (RESL) at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL).
- The Intercomparison Testing Program (ITP) administered by RESL through a contract with the NRC.
We have maintained an excellent record for these performance evaluation programs, with more than 98 percent acceptance since 2000.
Our laboratory also participates in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Radiological Intercomparison Program. This program allows demonstration of direct traceability to NIST for analytical procedures of select radionuclides. Presently, ORAU maintains traceability to NIST for americium, plutonium, thorium, and uranium alpha emitters in four matrices: air filters, synthetic fecal matter, soil, and water. The laboratory is also NIST traceable for Sr-90 in water.
We maintain comprehensive procedures to ensure process integrity throughout the analytical process. Experienced chemists maintain the highest quality standards and productivity in the areas of:
- Sample tracking. Chain-of-custody is established for each sample when it arrives at the laboratory and as it proceeds through analysis to final reporting.
- Sample preparation. Environmental matrices are processed using industry-accepted methodologies to ensure the highest quality results.
- Gamma counting. Gamma-emitting radionuclides are quantified using high purity, extended range germanium detectors. Housed in standard barrel-shaped lead shields, the germanium detectors have relative efficiencies ranging from 30-45%.
- Alpha isotopic analysis. The laboratory’s primary analytical work involves the chemical separation, identification, and quantification of alpha-emitting radionuclides, along with the use of total sample dissolution and extraction chromatography chemistry. The result is a process that minimizes turnaround time and analytical cost, and maintains a high degree of accuracy and reliability.
- Alpha and beta counting. The laboratory features a 300-sample capacity liquid scintillation analyzer with procedures in place for analyzing 3H, 14C, 35S, 55Fe, 63Ni, and 241Pu. Gross alpha and beta measurements are also made with an automatic gas flow internal proportional counter with a 100-sample capacity.
- Analytical flexibility. Although the laboratory is set up for environmental matrices, our staff is experienced in adapting to additional client requests. ORAU's procedures have been successfully modified to handle matrices such as whale blubber, seal livers, lead, nickel, asphalt, and wood.
- Data analysis. Data are analyzed by computers using a combination of internally designed and commercially available software programs. All data analyses are independently reviewed as a routine step for quality control.
- Quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) and data reporting. The laboratory’s established QA/QC program is designed to meet the requirements of DOE Order 414.1C, ASME, NQA-1, and the QA Manual for the NRC’s Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards. Laboratory or QA procedures can be supplemented to meet additional customer data quality objective levels as requested.
- Turnaround time. The turnaround time for sample analysis of routine environmental matrices is typically 30 working days depending on the number of samples and the requested analyses. The laboratory is also capable of handling special requests for rush processing when circumstances require more rapid response.
