biodex ATOMLAB 500 Operation manual

ATOMLAB™ 500 DOSE CALIBRATOR
OPERATION AND SERVICE MANUAL
086-330
086-332
FN: 17-355 9/17

Atomlab™ 500 Dose Calibrator
This manual covers operation procedures for the following products:
#086-330
Atomlab™ 500 Dose Calibrator

Table of Contents
Definition of Symbols...................................................................................................................... 6!
Before Proceeding........................................................................................................................... 7!
ProductCertificationsandClassifications......................................................................................... 10!
Important Safety Information ........................................................................................................ 11!
Unpacking Instructions .................................................................................................................. 13!
Shipping Cartons............................................................................................................... 13!
The Display Unit Carton .................................................................................................. 13!
The Detector Unit Carton .................................................................................................. 13!
Save the Packing Material ................................................................................................. 13!
Biodex Warranty............................................................................................................................ 14!
1.!Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 16!
Intended Use ..................................................................................................................... 16!
Indications for Use ............................................................................................................ 16!
Description........................................................................................................................ 17!
The Detector ..................................................................................................................... 17!
Detector Well Liner ............................................................................................................ 17!
Source Holder .................................................................................................................... 17!
Current Measurement ........................................................................................................ 17!
Rear Panel ......................................................................................................................... 17!
Response .......................................................................................................................... 18!
The Display Unit................................................................................................................. 18!
Measurement Method........................................................................................................ 18!
Display Units ..................................................................................................................... 19!
Routine Isotopes................................................................................................................ 19!
Atomlab Dial Values .......................................................................................................... 19!
2.!Installation ........................................................................................................................ 20!
Operating Requirements .................................................................................................... 20!
Work Surface...................................................................................................................... 20!
Physical Location and Environment..................................................................................... 20!
Positioning ........................................................................................................................ 21!
Environmental Operating Conditions ................................................................................. 21!
Environmental Shipping and Stowage Conditions ............................................................... 21!
Power Requirements ......................................................................................................... 21!
Line Voltage...................................................................................................................... 21!
Line Frequency.................................................................................................................. 21!
Cable Connections ............................................................................................................ 22!

Power Up and System Test.................................................................................................. 23!
Save the Packing Material ................................................................................................... 25!
Maintenance...................................................................................................................... 25!
Passcode Protection............................................................................................................ 25!
3.!Atomlab 500 Home Screen ................................................................................................ 26!
Basic Key Functions ........................................................................................................... 26!
4.!Atomlab 500 Utilities......................................................................................................... 28!
System Configuration......................................................................................................... 28!
Dose Calibrator Configuration............................................................................................ 37!
Systems Maintenance ........................................................................................................ 61!
5.!Dose Calibrator Operation ................................................................................................. 67!
The Dose Calibrator Program............................................................................................. 67!
Measuring an Isotope......................................................................................................... 67!
Changing the Selected Isotope ........................................................................................... 68!
Isotope Response Time ..................................................................................................... 68!
Determining Dial Value Adjustments .................................................................................. 68!
Zero Background................................................................................................................ 69!
Select Isotope .................................................................................................................... 71!
Dose Calculation ............................................................................................................... 71!
6.!Dose Calibrator Quality Assurance..................................................................................... 75!
QA Dose Calibrator ........................................................................................................... 75!
Constancy Test ................................................................................................................. 75!
Constancy Test History...................................................................................................... 79!
Geometry Test................................................................................................................... 83!
Geometry Test History....................................................................................................... 87!
Accuracy Test ................................................................................................................... 91!
Accuracy Test History ........................................................................................................ 94!
LinearityTesting ................................................................................................................ 98!
Manual Decay Test............................................................................................................. 99!
Semi-Automated Manual Decay Test ................................................................................. 103!
Linearity Automated Decay Test ....................................................................................... 110!
Lineator Initial Test......................................................................................................... 111!
Lineator Test ................................................................................................................... 113!
Calicheck Initial Test ....................................................................................................... 116!
CalicheckTest.................................................................................................................. 118!
Linearity Test History....................................................................................................... 120!
Decay Test History........................................................................................................... 120!
Lineator Test History..................................................................................................... 125!

Calicheck Test History .................................................................................................... 130!
7.!Nuclear Pharmacy............................................................................................................ 134!
Moly Assay (Moly Breakthrough) ...................................................................................... 134!
Half Life Verification ........................................................................................................ 138!
Half Life Verification History ............................................................................................ 146!
8.!Specifications .................................................................................................................. 156!
9.!Electromagnetic Compatibility ......................................................................................... 157!
10.!Parts and Assembly Instructions ...................................................................................... 162!
Appendix A: Troubleshooting Procedures ................................................................................... 163!
Appendix B: Atomlab Display Diagnostics ................................................................................... 165!
Appendix C: Atomlab 500 Dose Calibrator Specifications............................................................ 168!
Appendix D: Decay Calculations.................................................................................................. 172!
Appendix E: Calibration Values ................................................................................................... 180!
Appendix F: Atomlab Dose Calibrator Calibration and Traceability .............................................. 187!
Appendix G: Atomlab 500 and 500Plus Serial Communications Interface .................................... 188!
Appendix H: Atomlab 500 Isotope Index..................................................................................... 195!
Appendix I: Atomlab 500 Dose Calibrator Replacement Parts...................................................... 199!
Appendix J: Quality Assurance Testing of Atomlab Calibrators (Manufacturer’s * Instructions) .... 200!

Definition of Symbols
The following symbols and their associated definitions are used and implied throughout this
manual.
Symbol Definition
Carefully read these instructions prior to use
Caution
General Warning
General Mandatory Action
Dangerous Voltage
“On” Power
“Off” Power
Earth (ground)
Alternating Current
Fuse
USB Connector/Cable
Waste in Electrical Equipment
Date of Manufacture
Manufactured By
Type B Applied Part
CE Mark
CE Mark for products with EC Certificate
Certified for Safety by ETL Intertek

Before Proceeding
NOTE: The warnings, cautions and instructions provided in this manual must be
read, followed and kept available for consultation at all times. Observing the
information, instructions and procedures presented throughout this manual is
essential for using the Atomlab 500 Dose Calibrator properly and safely.
Specific Cautions:
•
Allow only qualified, trained personnel to operate or service the Atomlab 500.
•
If the equipment is used in a manner other than specified in this operation
manual,
the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired and
results could be
compromised.
•
The display operates on low voltage and the power supply auto-ranges from
100 to
240 volts input current. The detector steps up the current to
increase the high
voltage required to operate the detector. (Never open the
detector. The detector should only be opened by experienced, qualified
personnel.)
•
Except when using the Moly Shield, the well liner and dipper must be used
for all
Atomlab 500 Dose Calibrator measurements.
•
The Moly Shield is used with the supplied metal shield for proper placement
within
the dose calibrator detector. Always use the well liner.
•
The Atomlab Dose Calibrator is designed for use with specific printers.
Contact
Biodex for compatible printers.
•
Never store sources in the dose calibrator except during a linearity test, as the
sources will lengthen the time needed to perform a Zero Background once the
source is
removed from the detector.
•
The pre-set dial values noted in Appendix E are passcode protected but
can be
changed by the user. Multipliers are not used with the Atomlab
dose calibrators.
•
Leave the Atomlab Dose Calibrator power on ensuring the detector remains
stable and
can quickly provide accurate measurements.
•
A sealed source should be used to check the constancy of the system each day.
Prudences Spécifiques:
•
Permettez au personnel seulement autorisé, entraîné de faire marcher ou
assurer
l'entretien de l'Atomlab 500.
•
Si l'équipement est utilisé dans une manière autre qu'indiqué dans ce manuel
d'opération, la protection fournie par l'équipement peut être diminuée et les
résultats
pourraient être compromis.
•
L'étalage opère sur le voltage bas et les auto-gammes d'alimentation
électrique de
100 courant de contribution de volts au courant de
contribution de 240 volts. Le
détecteur augmente le courant jusqu'à ayez le
haut voltage pour faire marcher le
détecteur. N'ouvrez jamais le détecteur.
Cela devrait être fait seulement par le
personnel de service expérimenté,
qualifié.

• Sauf lorsque en utilisant le Bouclier de Moly, Bien le Paquebot et le Cincle
doivent être
utilisés pour tous Atomlab 500 Dose mesures de Calibrator.
•
Le Bouclier de Moly est utilisé avec le bouclier en métal fourni pour le
placement
Nécessaire dans la dose détecteur de calibrator. Utilisez
toujours Bien le paquebot.
•
la dose Atomlab calibrator est conçue à l'utilisation avec les imprimantes
spéci-
fiques. Contacter Biodex pour les imprimantes compatibles.
•
ne conservez jamais des sources dans la Dose Calibrator sauf pendant une
Épreuve
de linéarité, comme le les sources s'allongeront le temps devait
exécuter un fond
zéro une fois la source est enlevé du détecteur.
•
les valeurs de cadran programmées notées dans l'Appendice E sont le mot
de passe
protégé, mais peuvent être changé par l'utilisateur. Les
multiplicateurs ne sont pas
utilisés avec la Dose Atomlab Calibrators.
•
Quittez la Dose Atomlab le pouvoir de Calibrator SUR pour que le
détecteur reste
ferme et peut vite fournir des mesures exactes.
•
une source cachetée devrait être utilisé pour vérifier la Constance du système
chaque
jour.
WARNING: The unit contains lead for shielding the detector from background
radiation.
Additional lead shielding can be used outside the detector to further
reduce background
radiation. The lead should be disposed of in accordance with local
and national
regulations when disposing of the unit.
AVERTISSEMENT: l'unité contient l'avance pour protéger le détecteur du
rayonnement
ambiant. Le premier fait de protéger supplémentaire peut être
utilisé à l'extérieur du
détecteur pour davantage réduire le rayonnement ambiant.
L'avance devrait être
disposée conformément à local et national les règlements en
se débarrassant de l'unité.
WARNING: All activities and count values on the sample reports in this manual are
for
illustration purposes only. They do not represent actual study values.
AVERTISSEMENT: Toutes les activités et les valeurs de compte sur les rapports
de
promotion dans ce manuel sont pour les buts d'illustration seulement. Ils ne
représentent
pas de valeurs d'étude réelles.
CAUTION: Unauthorized modifications to this product are not permitted and will void
the manufacturer’s warranty. Unauthorized modification of the product may result
in a hazard to the user and/or patient. Do not modify this equipment without
authorization
from the manufacturer.
ATTENTION: Les modifications faites sans autorisation à ce produit ne sont pas per-
mises et va faire le vide la garantie du fabricant. La modification faite sans
autorisation
du produit peut s'ensuivre dans un hasard à l'utilisateur et-ou le patient.
Ne modifiez pas
cet équipement sans autorisation du fabricant.

CAUTION: The Atomlab Dose Calibrator is intended to measure the activity of a
radioactive source of a known isotope. This measurement may be for purposes of
determining or verifying a radiopharmaceutical dose for nuclear imaging or nuclear
medicine. This measurement may also be for the purpose of determining the
radioactivity
of a sample for dose calibrator constancy and Accuracy Testing or to
measure other non-
medical radioactive samples.
ATTENTION: La Dose Atomlab Calibrator est destinée pour mesurer l'activité d'une
source radioactive d'un isotope connu. Cette mesure peut être pour les buts de
détermination ou du fait de vérifier une dose radiopharmaceutical pour le fait de
refléter nucléaire ou la médecine nucléaire. Cette mesure peut aussi être pour le but
de
déterminer la radioactivité d'un échantillon pour la dose calibrator la constance
et la
mise à l'essai d'exactitude ou mesurer d'autres échantillons radioactifs non-
médicaux.
Training
On-site installation and training is optional. The operation manual includes assembly and
operating instructions. An applications training webinar is available on the internet at no
charge;
application questions can be directed to our service department during business hours.

ProductCertificationsandClassifications
This product has received the following certifications and falls within the following
classifications:
• ETL Listed Electrical Equipment, Laboratory Use; Part 1, General Requirements for
Safety
conforms to UL 60601-1, CAN/CSA C22.2 No: 601-1-M90, IEC 60601-1, IEC
60601-1-4
and IEC 60601-1-2 and CE Marked.
•
FDA Class II Equipment
•
EC Certificate: EC #4132458
• Type B Applied Part
• Electromagnetic Compatibility: This equipment complies with the Medical
Equipment
ICC 60601-2 EMC Standard.
NOTE: Circuit diagrams for this product are provided in the Schematics section at the back
of
this manual.
Authorized European Community Representative:
Emergo Europe
Prinsessegracht 20
2514 AP, The Hague
The Netherlands

Important Safety Information
CAUTION: Federal Law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a
physician, sonographer or other licensed professional.
ATTENTION: La Loi Fédérale restreint cet artifice à la vente par ou sur l'ordre
d'un docteur, sonographer ou d'autre professionnel agréé.
Follow the unpacking and assembly instructions document.
Before using this equipment, read the entire operation manual carefully.
Failure to read the manual may result in user error or inaccurate data. Be sure
to save all provided documents for future reference.
Make certain to understand all warning and caution labels as explained in the
Before Proceeding section of this manual.
This product should be used only as specified in the operation manual.
This medical electrical equipment requires special precautions regarding EMC
and must be installed and placed into service according to EMC information
provided in this manual. Electromagnetic compliance definition is provided in
Chapter 9.
It is recommended that the Quality Assurance Testing of Atomlab Dose
Calibrators be performed as presented in Appendix J.
The use of accessories and cables other than those specified, with the
exception of cables sold by the manufacturer, may result in increased or
decreased immunity of the equipment or system.
CAUTION: Operation for 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz.
ATTENTION: Opération 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz.
WARNING: Only use approved power supplies.
AVERTISSEMENT: N'utiliser que les alimentations homologuées

CAUTION: To avoid risk of electric shock, this equipment must only be
connected to supply mains with protective earth.
ATTENTION: Pour éviter le risque de choc électrique, cet équipement doit
uniquement être connecté à un approvisionnement conduites avec la terre
protectrice.
CAUTION: The plug is considered the method of disconnecting the product
from main power. Do not place the product in a position where the plug is not
easily accessible.
ATTENTION: Le bouchon est considérée comme la méthode de déconnexion du
produit d'alimentation. Ne placez pas le produit dans une position où le
bouchon n'est pas facilement accessible.
CAUTION: This product is intended to remain in one location during operation.
ATTENTION: Ce produit est destiné à rester à un endroit pendant le
fonctionnement.

Unpacking Instructions
Shipping Cartons
The Atomlab 500 Dose Calibrator and its respective components are carefully packed in two
cartons. One carton contains the display unit and accessories; the other carton contains
the
detector unit. Both are shipped in an over-pack.
NOTE: Prior to removing any of the cartons from the shipping box, visually inspect the box
and
the inside packing for damage. If any damage is noted, do not unpack the contents.
Notify the
carrier immediately allowing a claim to be made if necessary, and contact a
Biodex Medical
Systems Sales Representative. If there is no visible damage, remove the cartons
and place them on
a table or to the side. We suggest removing the display unit carton first.
NOTE: Before deciding on a location to set up the Atomlab for operation, be sure to
read Chapter 2 on installation. This chapter notes operating and environmental
requirements, and offers several tips on choosing a location for the dose
calibrator.
The Display Unit Carton
In addition to the display unit itself, this carton contains the Atomlab's Operation Manual, all
the
necessary connection and power wires needed to run the system, and a report of calibration.
The Detector Unit Carton
CAUTION: The carton labeled DETECTOR UNIT is very heavy, ~38 pounds. Severe
damage
to the unit may result if this carton is dropped. Remove the detector from the
carton and
carefully place it on the table or other counter where the Atomlab unit will
be set up and used. Make certain the tabletop will support a minimum of 300 pounds.
We suggest that the carton is placed on its side ensuring the Detector Unit can be slid out
of the
carton onto its side. Now, stand the detector up onto its base. Inserted into the
Detector Well should be a Detector Well Liner.
ATTENTION: Le carton étiqueté UNITÉ DE DÉTECTION est très lourd, ~38 livres. Cet
appareil
Peut subir de sérieux dommages s’ii est échappé. Retirez le détecteur de son carton
et utiliserez le avec prudence sur la table ou le computoir où vous installerez et utiliserez
l’unité Atomlab. Assurezvous que la table supportera un minimum de 300 livres. Nous
suggérons que vous placiez le carton sur son côté afin que vous puissiez faire glisser L’UNITÉ
DE DÉTECTION du carton à
sa base. Dans la chambre du calibrateur vous devriez trouver
un manchon protecteur. Un échantillon en plastique est emballé avec l’unité de présentation.
Save the Packing Material
Do not discard the packing materials, cartons or shipping boxes.
This material was designed especially for the safe shipment of the Atomlab 500 Dose
Calibrator. The user will need them to return any of the Atomlab components in the
future for
updates, calibration, or repair.

Biodex Warranty
1. Product Warranty
A. This equipment and its accessories are warranted by BIODEX MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two years from the date of
shipment from BIODEX MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. During the warranty period, BIODEX
MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. will in its sole discretion, repair, send replacement parts or
replace the equipment found to have such defects, at no charge to the customer.
EXCEPT AS STATED ABOVE, THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION WARRANTIES OR MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR
USE. BIODEX DOES NOT ASSUME LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR
INDIRECT DAMAGES INCLUDING LOSS OF USE, SALES, PROFITS OR BUSINESS
INTERRUPTION.
B. This warranty does not apply if the product, as determined by BIODEX MEDICAL
SYSTEMS, INC., is defective due to abuse, misuse, modification or service performed by
other than a BIODEX MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. authorized repair representative. Misuse
and abuse include, but are not limited to, subjecting limits and allowing the equipment
to become contaminated by fluid materials.
C. In order to obtain warranty repair service and to expedite repair process, please contact
BIODEX MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. Support Services Dept. at 800-224-6339, and select
product support as prompted.
2. Warranty is non-transferable
3. Non-Warranty Service
A. Repairs and/or replacements not covered by this warranty may be performed by
BIODEX MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. authorized service representatives.
B. The cost of transportation to and from the service location will be the responsibility of
the customer.
Service Procedure
If you think you have a service problem, take the following action:
1. Check to see that the problem occurs more than once.
2. Refer to the instruction manual and operations procedure.
If you still think you have a service problem, call BIODEX MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC., Service
Department at [phone] and select product service as prompted.

1. Keep yourself and the phone next to the equipment.
2. Service will ask you for a brief description of the problem. We will ask specific questions
about the malfunction that occurred. This diagnostic process may take a few minutes,
so call us when you can set aside an uninterrupted block of time.
3. After taking the information, we will advise on the action we will take.
4. Sometimes service personnel must consult with engineering and it may take time to get
back to you. Be sure to let the service representative know your schedule allowing us to
call at a convenient time.
5. The return call may be from a person other than the first to whom the problem was
reported.
6. After analyzing the problem, we will decide if the unit can be repaired on site, or
replacement parts will be sent.
7. If the unit must be returned, Biodex will provide a return materials authorization
number (R.M.A. #.) Pack the table in the carton that it was originally shipped in. It is the
customer's responsibility for any damage that occurs during shipping.
8. Non-warranty/non-service contract charges for repair are as follows:
a. Materials
+
b. Time
+
c. Travel Zone
Contact information
Manufactured by:
Biodex Medical Systems, Inc.
20 Ramsey Road, Shirley, New York, 11967-4704
Tel: [phone] (Int’l 631-924-9000)
Fax: [phone]
email: [email protected]
www.biodex.com

1. Introduction
Intended Use
The Atomlab Dose Calibrator is intended to measure the activity of a radioactive source of a
known isotope. This measurement may be for purposes of determining or verifying a
radiopharmaceutical dose for nuclear imaging or nuclear medicine. This measurement may also
be for the purpose of determining the radioactivity of a sample for dose calibrator constancy
and Accuracy Testing or to measure other non-medical radioactive samples.
Indications for Use
The Atomlab Dose Calibrators are used in nuclear medicine departments, clinics, and nuclear
pharmacies to measure radioactive doses for administration to patients. The system is used to
verify the radioactivity of a radionuclide before administration to the patient.
Atomlab Dose Calibrators use an argon gas filled pressurized detector to measure the activity
of a radionuclide source of a known isotope. Their primary application is the measurement of
the dose administered to a patient in nuclear imaging or nuclear medicine. Additionally, there
are advanced, but easy-to-use programs for Nuclear Pharmacy.
Figure 1.1. The Atomlab 500 features large, easy to read icons, prompts and
values on a touch-screen display.
The system consists of a low pressure ionization chamber, electrometer with extraordinary
linearity, and an auto-ranging touch-screen color display. It provides fast, accurate radionuclide
measurements with performance that easily complies with the most stringent regulatory
requirements.
Activity measurements are performed by the microprocessor-controlled electrometer located
within the chamber assembly. The chamber is shielded with .25" (6.3 mm) lead. It can be
located up to three feet away from the display unit. The unit is shipped with a three foot cable,
but eight foot and 18 feet cables are available. Chamber bias is generated by an electronic

high voltage supply, eliminating the need for expensive battery changes. The display can rest
on a bench or mount on a wall.
Description
There are 12 isotope selection touch keys pre-programmed for the most commonly used
radionuclides. Any of those keys can be reprogrammed by the user for a desired isotope. There
are 97 pre-programmed, isotope-specific dial values listed in the library. Dial values can easily
be changed if required.
Activity is displayed on the touch-screen color display in either curie or becquerel units.
Background correction is performed at the touch of a button. Range selection is automatic from
.01 microcurie to 100 curies of Tc-99m or 25 curies of F-18.
The Detector
The Atomlab detector unit is a well type ionization detector capable of measuring activity as
low as 0.01 µCi and as high as 100 curies of Tc-99m or 25 curies of F-18. The detector is
surrounded on all sides and on the bottom with .25-inch lead to both shield the user from the
source being measured and shield the dose calibrator from any ambient radiation. The well
type detector was carefully selected to provide a nearly "4 pi" measuring geometry, which
means that the radiation detector nearly surrounds the radionuclide. This allows the Atomlab
Dose Calibrator to measure the activity of a sample no matter what its volume or shape as long
as it fits into the detector well. This is necessary, for example, when measuring syringe doses
when the volume is unimportant. The detector has electronics and the calibration built into it
(the calibrator is built into the detector.) Therefore, any Atomlab 500 display can be connected
to a detector and have a calibrated system.
Detector Well Liner
Placed within the well is a plastic liner to protect the detector from contamination in the event
of the source leaking during measurement. The dose calibrator should always be used with the
well liner.
Source Holder
Radioactive sources are measured by placing them within the well opening of the ionization
detector using the geometry within the detector. Samples contained within vials should be
held
in the bottom cup of the sample holder sample holder or syringe/vial dipper. The
sample holder
places the radioactive source in the location that is at the proper
measurement. Samples within
syringes should be placed in the syringe holder ring on the
sample holder. Sources should be
orientated vertically in the source holder. Sources should
be placed in the dose calibrator well
within 5 to 15 cm from the bottom of the detector well,
as measured without the well liner in
place. The response of the dose calibrator varies +/-
0.5% within this region.
Current Measurement
The ionization current is measured by a microprocessor-controlled high impedance
electrometer
located within the base of the detector unit.
Rear Panel
On the rear connector panel of the interface module are two connectors. One is for power
and data
communication with the display unit. The detector unit can be located up to 20

feet (6.09 meters) away from the display unit. The standard cable measures three feet
(0.9144 meters) in length.
Response
The response of this type of ionization detector has been carefully studied using radionuclides
calibrated at the National Institute of Standards & Technology. The result is a well-defined
energy response curve that is used to determine the calibration values for many different
isotopes with high accuracy. Each detector has been calibrated with a National Institute of
Standards & Technology traceable source. The corresponding calibration value has been stored
in the memory of the detector unit. After calibration, the detector's accuracy is tested with
several sources of differing gamma energies whose activity values are traceable to the National
Institute of Standards & Technology.
The Display Unit
The Atomlab 500 Dose Calibrator display unit consists of a tablet that allows the user to make
activity measurements. A built-in microprocessor executes commands input via the touch panel
and computes activity values from detector data.
The display unit, tablet, and interface module has been specifically designed to perform activity
measurements in a laboratory setting. To allow easy fingertip control of the button the front
panel slopes gradually, providing an optimum viewing angle. On the rear panel of the unit are
the power and communication connectors, which remain out of the way as they are infrequently
adjusted.
Measurement Method
The current from the detector is measured in one of three ways, depending upon the order of
magnitude of the current. At low currents, the current from the detector is collected upon a
capacitor in the feedback loop of the electrometer whose capacitance is stable and measured to
a high degree. Voltage measurements are made upon this capacitor many thousands of times
per second. The time period between measurements is accurately calibrated. The second of two
successive values is subtracted from the first yielding the net voltage change of the capacitor
over that short period of time. Thousands of successive differences are averaged over the
course of one second in order to determine the detector current during that second. After a
sufficient rise in voltage, the charge on the capacitor is emptied, reducing the charge and
voltage by a calibrated amount.
At medium currents, the capacitor will reach its maximum voltage value very quickly, and the
capacitor must be emptied quite often. At these currents, the number of times the capacitor is
emptied per unit time is used to calculate the current from the detector.
At high currents, the capacitor cannot be emptied fast enough. Instead, the switch that controls
when the capacitor is emptied is closed, and the electrometer is nulled. The value of The DAC
that is used to null the electrometer is used to determine the detector current at high currents.
During calibration, multiple measurements are made at current values at which two modes of
current measurement can be used effectively. These calibration measurements are used to set
the calibration parameters of the medium and high current modes so as to meet the linearity
required of the electrometer.

Display Units
When the dose calibrator is set to display activity values in Ci (curies) as the system of units,
either µCi, mCi, or Ci will be indicated next to the numeric display. The prefix micro or µ (10-6),
or milli or m (10-3) or curies is automatically selected by the system's microprocessor. For
example, if the numeric value displayed is 12.03 and µCi is indicated, the activity will be
12.03x10-6 ci or 0.00001203 curies. If 63.9 is displayed and mCi indicated, the activity is
63.9x10-3 ci or 0.0639 curies.
In the same manner, when the dose calibrator is set to the international system of units,
Becquerels, either MBq or GBq will be indicated, where the prefix m represents Mega (106) and
G represents Giga (109). The absolute measurement range of the Atomlab Dose Calibrator is
from 0.01 µCi to 100.00 ci of Tc-99m or 25 curies of F-18 (and the equivalent in becquerels).
For example, 12.03 µCi = .445 MBq and 63.9 mCi = 2.36 GBq. If the numeric display reads
0.445 and MBq is indicated, the activity value is 445,000 becquerels. If 2.36 is displayed and
GBq indicated, the activity is 2,360,000,000 becquerels.
Routine Isotopes
The routine radioisotope (isotope selection) keys for the Atomlab 500 include: Tc-99m, TI-201,
I-123, I-131, Cs-137, Co-57, Xe-133, Ga-67, In-111, F-18, Y-90s, and Ba-133. The Co-57, Ba-133
and Cs-137 buttons are primarily used for accuracy and constancy tests.
Atomlab Dial Values
Equal activities of two different isotopes will generate different amounts of current in the ion
detector due to differences in the energy and particle emitted by the isotopes. Dial values are a
means of calibrating the source activity measured for an isotope due to these differences in
detector current. The amount of current that is produced by a Co-60 source is defined as a dial
value of 5.0; all other isotopes are defined relative to the Co-60 value. Co-60 was chosen as the
defining isotope due to its high energy photon emission and long half-life. The high energy
reduces the effect of container geometry (syringe, vial, etc.) and the long half-life ensures that a
single calibrated source can be used for many calibrations.
The dial value for certain isotopes have been directly measured using NIST calibrated sources
provided from the NIST standard reference materials program. These isotopes include Ga-67,
Y-90, Tc-99m, Mo-99, In-111, I-125, I-131, Xe-133, and TI-201. In addition the Cs-137 dial value
has also been measured directly using a NIST calibrated source. Using the measured detector
response for the isotopes listed above in conjunction with a Monte Carlo model of the ion
detector, detector response curves have been generated. Using information on photon, electron
and positron emission (from Table of Radioactive Isotopes, by Browne and Firestone, verified
with the Nuclear Data Center’s Nudat 2.2 Database), calculated dial values have been generated
for those isotopes for which direct measurement of the dial value was not possible.

2. Installation
Operating Requirements
Prior to installing the equipment, plan a layout for the Atomlab unit that will ensure it is
convenient for measuring radionuclides and will not cause undue radiation exposure because of
extra handling of high activity sources. There should be ample room to place a vial shield on
the work surface (preferably behind an l-Block shield), open the shield and remove the vial
using tongs, quickly place the vial into the sample holder and place both into the detector well.
Remember to make radioisotope measurements as the clear plastic detector well liner must be
placed into the detector well, and lower the plastic sample holder into the liner. Make sure
there will be no obstructions such as wall cabinets above the detector unit. Such obstacles may
make it difficult to insert and remove the sample holder.
NOTE: A well liner must be used at all times.
Work Surface
Select a table or other counter that is free of vibration, does not wobble, and will easily support
300 pounds.
The surface area of the tabletop should provide ample area to accommodate the detector unit,
display unit, the L-Block shield, the shielded radionuclide preparation area, and room for
writing.
Suggested dimensions of the table top are:
•30 in. deep
•48 in. wide
•36 in. high
Physical Location and Environment
Frequently, dose calibrators are located in areas called hot labs in which there is a wet sink with
plumbing. Do not locate the dose calibrator on a table or other counter that can become wet or
is subject to splashing or spraying.
Avoid areas that have drafts caused by heating or air conditioners or are in direct sunlight.
Electronics work best when a constant temperature is maintained. The temperature range is
from 10 to 30° C and the relative humidity range from 0 to 90%. Select a location for the dose
calibrator that is not frequently used by other personnel — one where the table on which it lies
will not be bumped. In general, make sure the work area is clean, dry, and dust free.
Avoid locating the dose calibrator near a radioactive materials storage area. The .25-inch lead
shield around the detector shields it from changes in radiation levels from diagnostic energy
radionuclides (i.e., Tc-99m); however, the high energy radiation from sources such as Cs-137, F-
18 and Co-60 will easily penetrate the shield and change the background radiation level. The
lower the ambient radioactivity, the less background activity for which the Atomlab Dose
Calibrator must compensate, and the greater the accuracy and reliability of the readings.