Standardization of 131I: Implementation of CIEMAT/NIST method at BARC, India

Abstract

The CIEMAT/NIST efficiency tracing method using 3H standard was implemented at Radiation Safety Systems Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) for the standardization of 131I radioactive solution. Measurements were also carried out using the 4 π β– γ coincidence counting system maintained as a primary standard at the laboratory. The implementation of the CIEMAT/NIST method was verified by comparing the activity concentration obtained in the laboratory with that of the average value of the APMP intercomparison ( Yunoki et al., in progress, (APMP.RI(II)-K2.I-131)). The results obtained by the laboratory is linked to the CIPM Key Comparison Reference Value (KCRV) through the equivalent activity value of National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ) ( Yunoki et al., in progress, (APMP.RI(II)-K2.I-131)), which was the pilot laboratory for the intercomparison. The procedure employed to standardize 131I by the CIEMAT/NIST efficiency tracing technique is presented. The activity concentrations obtained have been normalized with the activity concentration measured by NMIJ to maintain confidentiality of results until the Draft-A report is accepted by all participants. The normalized activity concentrations obtained with the CIEMAT/NIST method was 0.9985±0.0035 kBq/g and using 4 π β– γ coincidence counting method was 0.9909±0.0046 kBq/g as on 20 March 2009, 0 h UTC. The normalized activity concentration measured by the NMIJ was 1±0.0024 kBq/g. The normalized average of the activity concentrations of all the participating laboratories was 1.004±0.028 kBq/g. The results obtained in the laboratory are comparable with the other international standards within the uncertainty limits.