Fact sheets
Forms
The Radiation Health Branch is able to provide analysis for specific radioisotopes over a range of sample types including environmental samples (soil and rock), food samples, industrial type sampling (including wipe tests) as well as air and water samples.
The Branch is also able to provide calibration checks for radiation measuring and survey equipment. Calibration reports exhibit traceability to national radiation standards via the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency.
Laboratory analysis
The Radiation Health Branch laboratory can assist with the following types of analysis:
1. Environmental samples:
Radiometric analysis can be undertaken on environmental samples including various soil and rock combinations as well as industrial tailings or process samples from the mining industry. The system used at the Radiation Health Branch incorporates a low background counting facility using a sodium iodide crystal (NaI) scintillation detector combined with a spectral analysis method of multiple linear regression techniques (providing a least squares solution) for a sample spectrum against a set of traceable standards spectra for environmental radionuclides.
The typical report format includes radionuclide concentrations of 238U (uranium), 232Th (thorium), and 40K (potassium) as well as estimated absorbed dose rates in air at 1m above the surface of the sample concentration. In the majority of cases 50g of sample will be required. Any non-radiological hazards should be identified in the sample prior to the request for analysis and these should be clearly labelled with the sample information. Further recommendations for sampling can be obtained from the Radiation Health Branch.
2. Food samples:
This type of analysis covers human consumables for export purposes. Samples such as honey, salts or grain produce etc. can be analysed.
The analysis checks samples for trace levels of radioactivity to confirm that the product does not exhibit unacceptable levels of radioactivity for human intake. In the majority of cases a sample of at least 50g will be required.
3. Gross alpha and gross beta counting:
This type of analysis provides data obtained from a gas-flow proportional counting system. Analysis in this area is generally targeted towards air and water related samples. Air samples are usually produced through the use of standard filter paper combined with vacuum pump equipment. Water samples will often be produced from methods of evaporation using larger sample quantities onto filter paper or directly onto counting planchettes. Further details on sample requirements can be obtained from the Radiation Health Branch.
4. Wipe testing:
This type of analysis includes the use of either NaI scintillation or gross alpha / gross beta analysis. A standard procedure for wipe testing is currently available from the Radiation Health Branch and can be downloaded here; performing a suitable wipe test (PDF 148KB). A standard form for submitting samples is also available; wipe test submission form (PDF 123KB).
A schedule of laboratory analysis charges (PDF 124KB) is also available for download.
Calibrations and response checks
For further information regarding radiation analysis or calibrations please contact the Radiation Health Branch on (08) 9346 2260.
