Abstract
Global concerns on the potential for malevolent use of high activity sealed sources of ionising radiation have prompted moves to identify options for their replacement with alternative technologies. Sealed sources of caesium-137 are in common use in biological sciences research and in the production of blood products in blood transfusion services. This report considers the current uses of caesium-137 sources in biological sciences and blood transfusion services in the United Kingdom and potential alternatives. The characteristics of caesium-137 radiation fields are considered as well as those of X-ray alternatives. It is identified that suitable alternatives, including X-irradiators and non-radioactive methods, are available for all current applications but in some cases individual users and researchers may be required to test and develop the alternatives before they can be routinely adopted. A decision tree is provided to aid current users of caesium-137 sources to identify suitable alternative technologies
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Abstract
This report summarises a recent monitoring exercise undertaken by the UK Health Security Agency's (UKHSA) Radiation, Chemical, Climate and Environmental Hazards Directorate (RCCE). The exercise involved monitoring radiation doses received by orthopaedic surgeons from a number of participating units and Trusts across the UK by issuing thermoluminescent dosemeters (TLDs). We also collected information on sex, career stage, radiation safety training and availability, use and appropriateness of personal protective equipment (PPE) through a self-reporting survey sent to participants. This exercise aimed to inform on the radiation doses received by orthopaedic surgeons during their routine activities, and whether there are any significant associations between exposure doses across a 3-month TLD monitoring period and the information collected through the survey.
PDF format, 479 KB